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.

I am so happy and excited to say hello to you through this letter. My full name is Agusto Raymundo Marcos Pedro, and I was born on November 28, 2014. Fortunately, I am a healthy 9-year-old boy. I am in first grade and my favorite color is yellow. I enjoy playing soccer with my siblings and friends in my free time. I have one brother and three sisters. My favorite animal is the deer and I love eating fried chicken. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. My mother is Manuela Pedro Cristobal. She works hard as a farmer to cover our needs and expenses. One of our greatest needs is food. I want to open my heart and tell you that my father abandoned us a few years ago. He is not in touch with us or helps us economically either. His name is Sebastian Marcos Ramirez.

Thankfully, we count on my paternal grandparents and their children. My grandfather is Marcos Francisco and he works as a farmer. We live together in a rented house which costs Q700=$90.52 monthly. This payment also covers the electricity and running water bills. The house’s walls and roofs are made of tin sheets with dirt floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity and running water. We raise six chickens at home for our consumption. Luckily, the feeding program is a five-minute walk from our house. I am glad because all my siblings and I are already part of this project. As for our spiritual life, I want you to know that we are members of the Catholic Church in our town. I will leave you now, but I send you my best wishes hoping to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

Agusto Raymundo Marcos Pedro

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala