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 full name is Lesty Yojana Santos Chuy, and I am so happy to greet you through this letter. By the grace of the Lord, I am a healthy 9-year-old girl. I was born on August 24, 2015. I am in second grade and my favorite color is purple. After classes, I like playing with my young sister, caring for my cat, and painting. Let me tell you that I have only one sister at the moment. I am the oldest child in my family. My father is Esteban Santos Yuca. He is a farmer and works hard in our town to support our family economically. However, it has been difficult for him to support my school needs. So please, pray for us and our needs. My mother is Maria Josefina Chuy Cojolon. Like many housewives, she keeps busy with the housework and caring for my sister and me. She prepares very delicious food like rice, black beans, and sausages.

My family and I are Catholics and attend mass in the main church of our town. We live in a rented house. The rent payment is Q250=$32.33 monthly. The house has only one room made with tin sheets and dirt floors. Fortunately, we have electricity and running water. Besides the rent payment, my parents must pay for those services monthly. I am glad because I can have delicious meals at the feeding program. My sister and I usually walk for fifteen minutes from our house to get there. I will leave you now, but I hope to hear from you soon. Have a great day!

Kisses and hugs,

Lesty Yojana Santos Chuy

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala