My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, 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 Quiché is always a challenge.

Hello! My name is Wilson Vicente Calachij Gomez. My birth date is January 27^th, 2017, and I was born in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 8 years old and I am a healthy boy. I attend the 2^nd grade this year. I like to play ball. My favorite color is blue and my favorite animal is the parrot. I love to eat rice and chicken. I have one brother and two sisters. I am very happy to be registered in the Chixocol feeding program; I get there by moto taxi in one hour. I attend the program with my older brother.

My father´s name is Andres Calachij Garcia. He makes a living as a day laborer. My mother´s name is Ana Gomez Chingo. She takes care of the house and raises hens. Thanks to God, my family is in good health. We attend the Prince of Peace Church. Thank God, my parents are the owners of the house in which we live. There are 2 adobe rooms, the roof is made of tin sheets and it has a cement floor. The kitchen is separated. We have running water and electricity services; my parents pay for them. As a family, our greatest needs are groceries and clothes. Thank you for taking time to read my letter. May God bless you!

Warm regards,

Wilson Vicente Calachij Gomez

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua