Hello, my name is Emilia Roman, and this is my son Josue. 

We live in Jocotenango, and we have to walk about 15 minutes to get to the feeding program.  I was born in the mountains of Quiche and I am 64 years old.  I have four children.  My son, Josue and three daughters.  My son was born here Jocotenango, and he is 42 years old.  We attend a catholic church here in Jocotenango.  Sadly, I did not have the opportunity to attend school when I was young, so I cannot write and can only read numbers and a few letters of the alphabet.  I have high blood pressure, and I take medicine to control it.  My son was born with Down’s Syndrome.  Right now, he is suffering from a problem with his skin, and I do not have the resources to take him to the doctor.  He is also having a problem with his dental roots and needs to see a dentist. 

To earn money for our expenses, I collect recyclable items such as plastics, glass and cardboard.  I do laundry for others to earn money.  I also buy and sell second-hand clothes.  We rent the house in which we live.  I pay Q200 each month (approximately $27 per month).  Sometimes, one of my daughters helps us by giving us food, and one of our neighbors also helps us when she can. We have electricity and running water.  I pay for our water, but a neighbor provides our electricity.  I do not have to pay her cash for this service.  I only give her the recyclable plastics that I collect.  The house is made of wood with a tin roof and a cement floor.  It is only one room.  We do not have a kitchen.  We cook outdoors.  My son and I have beds, but they are in terrible shape.  I am asking God to provide us with better beds and with the resources that I need to take my son for medical and dental treatment.

Love and blessings,

Emilia Roman & Josue

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary