Cuatro Caminos "four roads", where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Cuatro Caminos is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system. 

Hello! This is Heidy Maricela Chiquiaj Grave, and I want to tell you a little about me through this letter. I am 5 years old, and I was born on February 18, 2020. I am attending preschool this year, and in my free time, I play with my dolls. I love eating fried chicken, and my favorite color is pink. I like cats. I have two brothers and one sister, and two of them are part of the feeding program too. We walk for 30 minutes to arrive at the program, and our mother accompanies us there.  

Victor Manuel Chiquiaj Gutierrez and Mayra Leticia Grave Quino are my parents’ names. My dad works as a farmer and day laborer, and my mom works hard at home and takes care of us. We live in our own house, and it has one room and a kitchen. The house is made of corn cane with a tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We get water from a spring, and we use candles at night. We have one dog as a pet. We are a humble family, and our frequent needs are corn and groceries. My family and I are attending Prince of Peace Church. Well, I say goodbye to you for now hoping you like my letter. 

Kisses and hugs  

Heidy Maricela Chiquiaj Grave 

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua