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 labor. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Hello! My name is Nehemias Jimon Lopez, and I fondly greet you. I am a healthy four-year-old boy, and I want to share about my life with you. I was born on July 19, 2021. Because of my age, I still do not attend school. My favorite pastime is playing marbles. I love having sausages, rice, and beans for my meals. My favorite color is sky-blue. My favorite domestic animals are doggies. I live with my mother, father, and siblings. I have three brothers and one sister. My father’s name is Vitalino Jimon Tebalan. He makes a living as a day laborer and farmer. My mother’s name is Maria Lopez Ventura. She dedicates her full time to taking care of my siblings and me.

We are Christians and attend a nearby methodist church. I am glad because some of my relatives live with us. They are my grandparents, some cousins, and their parents. They are my relatives on my father’s side. The house where we live belongs to my father. It is made of adobe with tile roofs and concrete floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. Everybody contributes to cover the expenses at home. We raise some chickens for our consumption. My house is about five minutes away from the feeding program. Therefore, my mother and I usually get there on a motorcycle taxi. To end this letter, I ask you to pray for my family and our well-being. Some of our needs are clothes and groceries. Until next time!

Sincerely yours,

Nehemias Jimon Lopez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala