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.

My name is Cristian Emanuel Lopez Lara, and I greet you fondly from the beautiful Duenas town. I was born on October 23, 2011. Today, I am a healthy 12-year-old boy. I am doing my best at school as a sixth grader. My favorite color is blue and I like cats. One of my favorite pastimes is playing soccer with my friends. I live with my parents, one brother, and one sister. Fortunately, they are all in good health. My father earns his income by working hard as a farmer in our town. His name is Elvis Leonel Lopez Pelen. On the other hand, my mom keeps busy with the housework and looking after my siblings and me. Her name is Dora Leticia Lara Gutierrez. She prepares delicious meals. My favorite food is baked chicken.

We live on a piece of land that belongs to Rosalio Pelen; he is the uncle of my father. The house is made of tin sheets with dirt floors. However, one of the walls is made of concrete blocks. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen at home, but we only use two. Fortunately, the house has electricity and running water services. My family and I attend the Catholic Church in our town. We know that praying is the key to strengthening our souls, so I ask you to pray for us. I am glad to be part of LW-Adopt A Child because I make more friends and enjoy delicious food at the feeding program. To get there, I usually walk 20 minutes from my house. I say goodbye to you now, but I appreciate you so much for reading my information.

Kind regards,

Cristian Emanuel Lopez Lara

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary /Antigua Guatemala