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! I am very excited to be writing this letter to you. I hope your life is filled with many of God’s blessings. My name is Rocio Rubi Perez Samayoa. I live in a town called Zacualpa. I am 7 years old, and I was born on March 12, 2014. My father’s name is Hugo Rudy Perez, and my mother’s name is Sindy Josefina Samayoa Cabrera. I have 2 brothers and no sisters. I attend school as a first grader. In my free time, I like to help with chores and study. My favorite color is purple, my favorite animal is a dog, and my favorite dish is pizza. My mother gave the evangelism team my information over the phone because of COVID-19; they are avoiding as much physical contact as possible to keep everyone safe. My father drives trailers to earn income, and my mother is a housewife. She used to sell snacks at school, but because of COVID-19 she could not continue. Our home is located about a 15-minute walk from the feeding program. The house we live in belongs to my paternal grandfather, but he has graciously allowed us to borrow it. The humble house is made of concrete, and the floor is made of granite. There are 4 rooms and a separate kitchen. We have running water, electricity, and a drainage system in connected to the bathroom. As for our health, thank God we are healthy. Our needs as a family are prayers that we continue to do well and that our neighbors are helped as well. I am a member of the Catholic Church. I am grateful for God’s love and mercy in my life.

With lots of love,

Rocio Rubi Perez Samayoa

Translated by: Kalyan Marroquin / Missionary Intern