My Story

It is a blessing for me to say hello to you through this letter. My name is Nohemy, and I hope you are doing well. I live with my parents and siblings. We are members of God’s Church and attend our services on Saturdays. As for health, almost my whole family and I are healthy, but my father, Lucas Toj, suffers from nerve disturbances. He is 60 years old and fortunately, he is already under medical treatment. Because of his current health situation, he is not able to work. However, we have been able to survive because of our business. We sell pilas (sinks made of cement) to get income and cover most of our needs. My mother also does her best to help with the expenses at home. Her name is Martina Barrera and she is 48 years old. She sells vegetables on Thursdays and Sundays. I am so happy to attend the feeding program because I receive delicious lunches thanks to many good-hearted people like you. My family and I have hens, turkeys, a few cats, and one dog at home.

I am twelve years old and I love attending school as a fifth grader. I am glad to receive face-to-face classes because I spend fun moments with my friends. I would love to continue studying at least until I end middle school. Unfortunately, we are passing through a hard economic situation since my father got sick. Therefore, it has been hard for my mother to cover my school supplies. What we need the most are groceries. New Year’s Day is my favorite holiday because a new school year will start and my parents get ready to buy my school equipment like notebooks. I love drinking juices and mosh – it is oatmeal and Guatemalan people consume it as a hot beverage. I would love to learn a new language like English. I hope to accomplish it someday. My birthday was in June, but I did not celebrate it because my family and I do not have the custom of doing it. I would love to eat a delicious birthday cake to celebrate my next birthday. To end this letter, I want you to know that I am grateful to LW because a teacher of the evangelism team shared the gospel with my mother. It was a great blessing and encouragement for her. The teacher also collected all my news for you. I say goodbye to you for now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

With much love,

Nohemy Toj Barrera

Translated by: Hillary Popol / AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala