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! My name is Joel Isahak Morales Gonzalez. I was born in Antigua Guatemala on November 17, 2018, and this year I turn 6 years old. This year I attend Pre-kindergarten at school. I love dogs and my favorite color is green. I love fruits and my favorite is apples. I enjoy playing with my toy cars in my free time. I live happily with my father and mother; I have two brothers and one sister. My mother´s name is Dominga Juliana Gonzalez Morales. She works by selling food in Antigua´s market; she helps my father to supply the home needs. My father´s name is Jose Morales Coz. He does farm work in Parramos village to sustain our family. Thanks to God, we are healthy.

My family and I attend God´s Family Church. We do not have our own house, so we rent a house. The monthly payment is Q1,500.00 = $200.00. The house is made of cement walls, a tin sheet roof and a ceramic floor. We have running water and electricity services; those are included in the rent. We raise 3 chickens. I am so happy for being registered in the feeding program; I walk for about 10 minutes to arrive. This is all for now. Every kind of blessing over you!

Lots of love,

Joel Isahak Morales Gonzalez

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