My Story

Duenas, 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 Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

It is a blessing for me to say hello to you through this letter. My name is Josue Rafael Ordonez Chiguil, and this is my story. I was born on August 22, 2018. I am a healthy boy and I love eagles. My favorite hobbies are playing with my toys and watching tv. I am in pre-kindergarten, and my favorite color is red. There are delicious dishes, but rice and French fries are the best. I live with my biological parents and one brother. The one who covers all the housing expenses and needs is my father. His name is Gerson Alexander Ordonez Lopez. He works in a car wash while my mother stays at home and dedicates her time to watching over our family. Her name is Vilma Veronica Chiguil Hernandez. Fortunately, they are in good health.

We attend a Christian Church called Jesus Comes Soon. We live in a rented house. My father pays Q600=$76.52 per month. We only use one room in the house, so we must prepare our meals there. The walls and roof are made of block with ceramic floors. We have electricity and running water. We must share the bathroom and cement sink with our neighbors. Some of our needs are clothes and shoes. My brother, Kevin Alexander, and I usually walk for 15 minutes to get to the feeding program. This is all for now about my life, but I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to an AAC secretary. I hope to update you about my life soon. See you later!

Lots of love,

Josue Rafael Ordonez Chiguil

Translated by: Hillary Popol /AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala