My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

My name is Henry Emanuel de la Cruz Riquiac and I was born on July 12, 2019. I am 5 years old and fortunately, I am healthy. I am in pre-kinder. I enjoy playing freeze tag with my friends and siblings. I have two brothers and one sister. My favorite color is blue and I love having chicken noodle soup for my meals. My favorite animals are dogs. Luckily, I have a lovely dog as a pet at home. My family and I also raise chickens and one cat. Now, let me tell you about my family. I have two brothers and one sister. We attend a Christian Church called Rock of Salvation alongside our parents. My father’s name is Henry Gabriel de la Cruz Cuin. He is dedicated to working as a farmer and day laborer in our village. He also has a smithy and occasionally makes doors and windows to earn extra money. My mother’s name is Marta Alicia Riquiac Panjoj. She sells fruits in the market to earn her income and help at home with the expenses. 

We live with my grandmother at her house. She is my relative on my father’s side. Her house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father is in charge of paying for the services. I ask you to pray for my family and our needs. Our priorities are groceries. The feeding program is near my house. So, I sometimes get there on foot, which takes me 20 minutes. I can also take a tuk-tuk to get there, which takes me 10 minutes. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter. Take care of yourself!

In the name of Jesus,

Henry Emanuel de la Cruz Riquiac

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala