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. 

Hello! this is Dimas Misael Chingo Garcia and I want to tell you my little story. I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on August 29, 2020. I am 5 years old and I am in good health. I am not studying yet due to my age, but I stay at home playing with toy cars and balls. I like red and I love cats. My favorite food is French fries. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister and they are part of the Feeding Center. We attend together and we walk ten minutes to arrive there. I live under my parents’ care and they are Esteban Isaias Chingo de la Cruz and Pabla Garcia Tum. My father is working as a day laborer and he also drives a moto-taxi (tuk-tuk) while my mother tends her small clothing business in the local plaza. She also raises domestic animals. Unfortunately, my mother is suffering from pain in her right arm and headaches, but she is not taking medicines. My father is doing fine and in good health. We are a needy family and our frequent needs are groceries, clothing and school fees. I want you to know that we are members of the Catholic Church. 

We live in my parents’ house and we have two rooms made of block, tile roof and cemented floors. We also have a kitchen, but it is so damaged. We are praying to God for provision because we would like to repair it, but we trust that God will provide. We have running water and electricity. My father pays for those services.  We have hens and pigs, but we would like to have some chicks and we have enough space in the house for them. Thank you for your attention and may God bless you!!

Lots of love, 

Dimas Misael Chingo Garcia

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