My Story

ZA4433

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.

Hello, my name is Julia Marleny Ruiz Lopez. I was born on June 22, 2009 and I am 9 years old. I am in good health and I attend the Zacualpa feeding program. My father’s name is Camilo Ruiz Riz and he is a farmer. My mother’s name is Isabela Lopez Toj and she is a housewife. We own the house in which we live. It is made of cement block with a tin roof and a cement floor. Our house has two rooms and a separate kitchen. We have electricity and running water. My family does not travel to the coast to work during the coffee harvest. My family has one pig. I have one brother and I walk with him to the feeding program. I am in 4th grade this year, and when I am not in school, I spend my time playing with my dolls. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite animal is the cat. The foods that I like to eat the most are grapes and grilled beef. My family attends a catholic church.

With much love and many blessings,

Julia Marleny Ruiz Lopez

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary