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! my name is Juana Maria Evelin Quino Gonzalez and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on November 17, 2015. I am a healthy nine-year-old girl and I am in 3rd grade at school. I like to play soccer and basketball in my free time. I love dogs and cats and my favorite color is purple. I enjoy eating fried chicken and beef broth. I only have two sisters. I like to attend the Feeding Center along with my friends after school, and we walk five minutes to arrive there. 

We live under my mother`s care because my father is living and working in the United States. He works as a builder and sends us money to cover our family needs, but sometimes it is not enough, so we are in need of groceries and corn. My father frequently communicates with us. His name is Hector Quino Quiac and my mother`s name is Elizabeth Gonzalez Cac. She takes care of us every day and she does the housework. By the grace of God, my parents and whole family are doing fine and in good health. I want to tell you that unfortunately my family and I are not attending any church.  We live in my father`s house. We only have one room with a separated kitchen which is made of block walls, tin sheet roof and cemented floors. We also have running water and electricity, and my father sends money to pay for those services. This was my personal information and I hope you like to it. I send every kind of blessing to you!

In Jesus’ name,

Juana Maria Evelin Quino Gonzalez

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