My Story

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! My name is Angel Daniel Ramos Pamal and I am excited to share a little about my life with you. Before doing it, I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to an AAC secretary. I was born on March 16, 2016. By God’s grace, I am in good health. I am in first grade, and my favorite pastimes are playing with my balls and toy cars with my younger sister. I have three sisters but no brothers. My favorite dish is Bolognese pasta. I love animals, especially cats, rabbits, and parrots. I live with my mom, sisters, and some relatives of my dad. They are my grandparents and some aunts. Sadly, I do not have my father with me because he has been in jail since I was born. Therefore, I only have my mother’s last name. My father’s name is Jose Ramiro Paz Gomez. My mom has always been in touch with him. She has told us that my father will be free soon. My mother’s name is Lesbia Marleni Ramos Pamal. She is the one who covers all the expenses and needs at home by washing clothes and making tortillas for other people.

My family and I do not attend any church. We live in a borrowed house that belongs to El Valley Farm. It has three rooms and a separate kitchen. My mom, sisters, and I only use one room and share the kitchen with the rest of our extended family. We have running water and electricity. We use water for free, but my mom has to pay a minimal part of the electricity bill. We have some cats and chicken at home. We are a needy family, and our greatest needs are groceries. My sisters and I are glad to have delicious lunches at the feeding program. We usually walk 15 minutes from where we live to get there. I will leave you now, but I appreciate you for taking the time to read my letter. May God bless you bountifully!

Lots of love,

Angel Daniel Ramos Pamal

Translated by: Hillary Popol / AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala