My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy. 

I greet you in Jesus’ name. My name is Gracebeth Maria Jesus Alvarado Barrera, and I want to tell you a little about me. I was born on April 17, 2016, so I am 9 years old now. I am in good health, and I am in 3^rd grade this year. I love playing soccer and with my dolls in my free time, and I enjoy eating spaghetti. My favorite color is purple, and I like cats. I attend an Evangelical Church with my family. My father’s name is Edgar Estanislao Alvarado Santos, and he works as a baker from Monday to Friday. My mother’s name is Elsa Maria Barrera, and she works hard at home. I would like to ask for your prayers for her life because she is suffering from high blood pressure, and apparently has problems with her womb. She has already visited a doctor, but at the moment, she is not taking medicine. Thank God, my father is in good health.

We live in our own house, and it has two rooms and a kitchen. The house is made of concrete block with a tin sheet roof and concrete floor.  We have electricity service, and we get the water from an artisan well. We have hens, dogs and a cat at home. We live 30 minutes away from the feeding program. I only have a twin sister, and she is also registered at the program. We are a humble family, and our frequent needs are groceries and clothes; please keep us in your prayers. I tell you that my mom helped me to give my information to LW evangelism team, and she accompanies us to the program. I hope you find my letter interesting.

Sincerely yours

Gracebeth Maria Jesus Alvarado Barrera

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala