My Story

Hello! I greet you cordially and I wish you a blessed and beautiful day with your family. First of all, my family and I are grateful to Living Water because I receive medical and dental attention in the LW clinics. In addition, I have a meal and spiritual support at the Feeding Program. I want to let you know that we are not attending any church. Thank you to the LW evangelism team who shared the gospel with my mother and for their encouraging words to us during the visit, but she has not taken a decision. My mother´s name is Estela Morente Toj. She is 30 years old. At the moment, she continues doing chores at home and she goes to the coast to pick coffee beans with the whole family from November to April during the harvest season.  Moreover, she raises hens, pigs, cows, and sheep to sell and get some income. In addition, she goes out to wash clothes for others and works as a farmer in order to support us financially.  As you know, my father abandoned us 8 years ago and he established another family. Thank God, we live in my maternal grandparents, and they share the home expenses with my mother. My grandfather`s name is Juan.  He earns a living by working as a farmer. My grandmother`s name is Martina. She is a housewife and raises her domestic animals. Thankfully, my family and I are in good health.

My name is Juan Efrain Ris Morente, and I am 7 years old. This year I am in 1^st grade at school. I receive face-to-face classes daily and am learning a lot about topics with this study method. Fortunately, my mother is making an effort to support my brother and me at school despite the school fees being so expensive. My native language is the Quiche Mayan dialect, so I would like to learn Spanish in order to improve my communication with others. Peach juice is what I prefer to drink.  My favorite celebration of the year is Christmas because we eat “tamales” (a typical dish) along with my family and I like to light fireworks. I do not celebrate my birthday due to a lack of financial resources. Among sports, I prefer soccer. As a humble family, our needs are groceries and corn. Thank you for the Christmas gift that I receive through Living Water Adopt-A-Child every December. I hope you enjoy reading my letter. May God take care of you everywhere you are!

Huge hugs,

Juan Efrain Ris Morente

Translated by:  Gladys Chavez/ A-A-C Secretary