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 Carlos Adrian Perez Alvarez. My birthdate is September 21, 2016, which makes me 7 years of age now. I am in kindergarten this year. I love playing soccer, watching TV and my favorite program is Paw Patrol. I also like to play tag. I love the color blue, and my favorite animal is the dog. The meals I love are Chicken medallions and black beans. My mother´s name is Jocelin Azucely Alvarez Mux. She usually stays at home and does the housework. She has a baby girl, and she is a few months old. I have a stepfather and he has been living with us for about three years. He is Mr. Juan Gabriel Apen. He works as a street vendor but does not earn very much which makes things hard at home because of a lack of money. My biological father´s name is Carlos Alberto Perez Cuncu, but he does not live with us because he has another family. He does different jobs and sends me a little economic support when he is working.

Lately, I have had pain in my tooth because of dental cavities and cold sores. Fortunately, I will receive dental care in the clinic from LW. Besides that, my family and I are fairly well. For now, we do not attend church. We live in a rented house; the monthly payment is Q500.00 = $67.00 including electricity and running water; my stepfather pays for it. There are two tin sheet rooms with a concrete floor. The kitchen is separated. We are a very needy family; we need food; please pray for us so we can have our daily provisions. I walk about 30-minutes to arrive at the feeding program. My mother Jocelin Alvarez provided my personal information to the Living Water staff for my registration. Sending huge hugs. Many and abundant blessings to you!

Hugs and kisses,

Carlos Adrian Perez Alvarez

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