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.

It is great to say hello to you through this letter. Before introducing myself, I thank you so much for taking the time to read my information. My name is Juan Jose Gaspar Pedro, and I am 11 years old. I was born on January 26, 2013. Today, I am a healthy fourth-grade student. My favorite color is red, and I like pigs. Sports are amazing, but my favorite one is basketball. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. I have one brother and three sisters. My father is the one who supports our family economically. His name is Juan Gaspar Pedro, and he works hard by carrying people from one place to another in his pedicab. On the other hand, my mom keeps busy doing the household chores and taking care of my family. Her name is Rosamary Pedro Sebastian. I want you to know that she helped me write this letter to you. I like salads and my mom prepares the tastiest like cucumber salad. That is my favorite one!

My family and I are members of a Christian Church called the Voice of the Lamb. We are a low-income family, so most of the time, it is difficult to survive. Our greatest needs are groceries. We live in a rented house which costs Q500=$64.68 monthly. There is nobody else living there with us. The house’s walls and roofs are made of tin sheets with dirt floors. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. Besides the rent payment, my father covers the bills for the services. There is enough space at home for our pets. We have one dog and one chicken. Fortunately, the house is a ten-minute walk from the feeding program. I am grateful to be part of LW-Adopt A Child. Undoubtedly, this project it is a great blessing for my town and my family. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope you like my information.

Kind regards,

Juan Jose Gaspar Pedro

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala