My Story

DU-2097

Dueñas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire).  The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports.  Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs.  Electricity is available to those who can afford it.  Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing.  Life in Dueñas is quiet.

Hello, my name is Ian Eliu Pelen Chavac. I was born on June 15, 2015. I am three years old. I am in good health. I attend the Dueñas program. My mother’s name is Silvia Marisol Chavac Marroquin.  She is the one who takes care of my brother and me, and she also cares for our home.  My father’s name is Benny Osbely Pelen Martinez.  My father works as a barber, and when he cannot find work as a barber, he works as a mason’s helper.  This is how he provides for our family. We live in the house with my grandparents and my aunt. The house belongs to my grandparents and it has cement walls, a tin sheet roof and cement floors. My family actually lives in one room, and we all sleep in this room.  We do not have our own kitchen, but we use my grandparent’s kitchen.  We also share a bathroom with my grandparents and my aunt.  Our house has electricity and water, and we all share the expenses for those.  I walk four blocks to get to the feeding program.  I have one little brother.  My family attends a church called Cuadrangular.  I do not attend school yet because I am too young.  I am very active, and I love to play soccer.  My favorite color is blue, and my favorite animal is a dog.  My favorite food is pepian (a traditional Guatemalan dish).

With much love and many blessings,

Ian Eliu Pelen Chavac

Translated by Edwina Lyons, Living Water Missionary