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 full name is Hector Junior Toj Gonzalez, and I am excited to tell you about my life. I hope you find my information lovely. I was born on January 5, 2021. I am a healthy boy. I am four years old, and because of my young age, I still do not attend school. My favorite color is blue. I love having chicken soup for my meals. My favorite animals are cats. I have a lot of fun playing with my toy cars. I am a lucky boy because I have a lovely and healthy family. My parents are Hector Toj Benito and Manuela Gonzalez Perez. They are hardworking people who do their best for our family.

My father makes a living by raising and butchering pigs, while my mother sells typical clothes. I have two sisters who are in the program as well. We attend a nearby Christian Church called Prince of Peace. By the grace of the Lord, we live in our own house. It is made of cinderblock walls, a concrete roof, and a granite floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. The feeding program is about ten minutes away from where I live. Therefore, I usually walk to get there. It is time to say goodbye, but I look forward to hearing from you next time. Sending you huge hugs.

Sincerely yours,

Hector Junior Toj Gonzalez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala