My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley.  The village is inhabited by both Quiché Indians and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish.  Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe.  Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen.   It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area.  Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy.

I greet you in the name of Jesus and this is my personal information. I hope you like to read my news. I am Fredy Grave Ruiz and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on May 6, 2015. I am in good health and I am 10 years old. Unfortunately I am repeating the 2^nd grade at school. My hobby is to play soccer. I love black color. The dog is my favorite animal and I enjoy eating fried chicken and Chow Mein. I have five brothers and one sister. My mother accompanies me to the Feeding Center and we walk for an hour and a half. 

Unfortunately, my mother is suffering from cramps in her left knee, but she visited the doctor and is taking medicine. Her name is Isabel Ruiz Gomez and she dedicates her time to taking care of the family. She also raises hens and pigs to sell and ges some income to support my father with the home expenses. My father`s name is Bruno Grave Morente. He is in good health and he sustains the family by working as a farmer and day laborer. Our current needs are tin sheets because the roof of our kitchen is so damaged. We live in our own house and we have two rooms and one separated kitchen. The walls are made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floors. My paternal grandfather shares the water with us by connecting a hose, and he also provides electricity for our house by an electrical extension. He shares the payments with my parents. We have hens and pigs and we would like to have some chicks because we have enough space in the house. I am blessed because my family and I are members of Prince of Peace Christian Church. May God bless you greatly!

Huge hugs,

Fredy Grave Ruiz

Translated by:  Gladys Chavez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua