My Story

DU2296

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. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value.  Life in Dueñas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

Hello! I am Valerie Monserrat Cabrera Reyes. I was born on April 18, 2011 and I am 10 years old. Thank God, I am in good health. I walk 20 minutes to get to Dueñas feeding program. I am in 4^th grade. When I grow up, I would like to be a teacher because I like to teach. I like to teach the vowels to my little brother and play with him in my spare time. I am so happy, and I like to obey my parents. My favorite color is red, and my favorite animal is the cat. My favorite meal is “chilaquiles” (it is a Mexican dish). I have one brother and no sisters. My father´s name is Blas Periandro Cabrera Martinez. He works by making “fletes” (carrying goods for people), and thank God, he supports our family. My mother´s name is Mirna Yaneth Reyes Arevalo. She is a housewife but works selling gas at home. We own the house where we live. We have running water and electricity. We have 2 rooms made of block with a tin sheet roof and cement floor. The kitchen is in the corridor and is made with tin sheet and cement floor. My mother cooks with propane gas. We attend Catholic Church on Sundays. Every blessing for you!

Hugs with much love,

Valerie Monserrat Cabrera Reyes

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua