My Story

Jocotenango, where your child lives, is in the state of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala and is a suburb of Antigua. It is an urban environment and is inhabited by both Quiché Indians and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). Most of the children attend school, but financial hardship affects many families and forces most of the children to leave after the sixth grade. Only one out of ten children finish high school. Children in this area face temptations from gangs and drugs.

Hello! This is Hila Olam Bom Pangan Ixcayau. My birthdate is February 10^th of 2015, and I was born in Antigua Guatemala town. I am now 9 years old. At school, I am in 3^rd grade. My favorite sport is basketball. I like turtles and my favorite color is green. I love eating “Pepian” (a typical dish). We have two dogs at home. I have two brother and one sister; two of them are registered in the feeding program too. My father’s name is Hilario Pangan Xitumul. He is a P.E. teacher, and he works for the government. My mother´s name Blanca Rosa Ixcyau Barrera. She works as an auxiliary nurse in the public hospital in San Felipe de Jesus village. I have two brother and one sister; two of them are registered in the feeding program too. My family and I are in good health. However, I want to tell you that my father is because he was sick with polio years ago. Since then, he uses a wheelchair, but it does not limit him to sustain our family.

At the moment, my family and I do not attend church. My family and I are very thankful to God because the house in which we live will be our property very soon; my parents are paying for it. The house is made of concrete blocks and a ceramic floor. There are four rooms and one of them is used as a kitchen. My family and I are very thankful for the support I am receiving through Living Water; I am so blessed. I walk 10 minutes to arrive to the feeding program. Thank you for reading my information. Many blessings!

Lot of hugs,

Hila Olam Bom Pangan Ixcayau

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