My Story

Hello, I am happy to greet you and let you know about the recent events in my life. My name is Yulisa Gabriela Perez Castillo and I am 11 years old. I live with my family in San Miguel Dueñas. This year, I am attending 4^th grade at school. I am learning through study guides that my oldest sister takes back and forth from my school every 15 days. Thankfully, I have internet at home to do some research because sometimes it is hard for me to understand the guides. I used to walk for 15 minutes to attend the feeding program. I have missed attending there because of the food, teachers and especially Bible classes. Both of my parents continue to struggle to support us. My father is still working in the sawmill and sometimes he makes furniture like tables to sell. Meanwhile, my mother works for Fides farm to contribute with the incomes. It is a little difficult to be together all the time. Nevertheless, we try to have lunch and dinner on weekends. For Christmas, we had a special dinner and shared as a family. My family attends the Catholic Church that is 10 minutes away from our home. My sister is part of a youth group in our church where they prepare activities for others. We were sad when our church was closed due to the pandemic. Thankfully, it is open again.

We continue living in the same place. The land belongs to my grandfather, but my parents do not pay any rent. We have only one room where we have to cook also. It is made of block and wood walls, tin sheet roof and granite floor. There is running water and electricity. However, the tin sheets are very old and have small holes where water seeps in when it rains. As a family, we have many needs but the main ones are food, clothes and medical care. Thank God, we are currently in good health. We are very grateful with God because both parents continue with their jobs, and they were not suspended during the pandemic. We have been so blessed because God has always provided for our needs, and we also count on your help and Living Water´s as well. Finally, I would like to add that my sister went to the feeding program to have an interview with the LW teacher and gave this information about me. I say goodbye for now but not before telling you that you will be always in my prayers and thoughts.

Many blessings for you,

Yulisa Gabriela Perez Castillo

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua