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 Sherlyn Alejandra Cabrera Morales, and it is a pleasure to write this letter and tell you a little about my life through it. I am 7 years old and fortunately, I am in good health. I was born on October 18, 2016. My favorite color is purple and I like cats. I am doing well at school as a first grader. My favorite pastime is playing with my dolls. I try to help at home with the household chores on weekends. My favorite food is beef steak. Now, I will tell you about my family. My father is Jorge Luis Cabrera Rucal. He works in the construction area by helping masons. My paternal grandmother is Maria Estela Rucal Otzin. She takes care of my oldest sister and me. I ask you to pray for her because she is not in good health. Unfortunately, she lacks of cartilage in her two knees which causes her so much pain when she walks. At the moment, she is waiting for her next appointment at the Social Works of Saint Brother Peter to know when she can undergo surgery. Therefore, I beg you to pray for her. My grandmother got married to Mr. Tereso Jacobo Pelen a few years ago. He lives with us and helps us economically. He makes a living as a security guard.

We live in a house which belongs to San Sebastian Farm. It is a fifteen-minute walk from the feeding program. The house’s walls and roofs are made of wooden beams and tin sheets, while the floors are concrete. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father and grandfather pay the bill for services monthly. Fortunately, we have enough space to raise chickens for our consumption. The farm owners allowed us to live on their property for free because my grandmother worked there as a farmer. However, she was no longer able to continue because of her health condition. We are a humble family and most of our needs are shoes and clothes. As for our spiritual life, I tell you that we are a Christian family and attend the Chosen for the Holy Spirit Church. To end this letter, I want to open my heart and tell you that sadly, my biological mother abandoned my family and me about five years ago. She is not in touch with us or helps us economically because she has another family. Her name is Katherine Yaneth Morales Lara. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope to hear from you soon. 

Best wishes,

Sherlyn Alejandra Cabrera Morales

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala