My Story

Dueñas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

Greetings and many blessings! I hope you are well along with your loved ones. I want to thank you at once for taking the time to read my information. I know God led you to me and I hope He will continue to touch your heart to help and serve the people of Guatemala just like me. I want to tell you a little bit about myself today. My name is Fatima Fernanda Reyes López, and I am 7 years old now. I will turn eight years old on September 25 this year 2025. I am very healthy, and my family is doing well too. My father’s name is Byron Isidro Reyes Ojot. He works in agriculture to help treat sick plants and prevent them from getting diseases. My mom’s name is Yesica Paola López. She stays home to take care of me and my sister. I have one sister. Her name is Kimberly Samantha. She is also going to the program as a new child of the program. We love going together and eating the delicious food. My favorite food to eat is fried chicken, and I love when they serve it in the feeding program. I live in a small house with my family and my grandfather and his family. We have one room that we use. The walls are made of cinderblock and the roof is metal. We also have a ceramic tile floor, and we have running water and lights in our house. I have a pet cat, and I love him so much, but cats aren’t my favorite animal. My favorite animal is a dog, even though we don’t have one. We walk to the feeding program from our house, and it usually takes us about fifteen minutes. We live pretty close to the program. Our greatest need as a family would be groceries, but we trust in God to always provide. One of my favorite things to do is color. I love coloring, and I love the color pink. It is so pretty. I have to say goodbye now, but I hope you enjoyed learning about me. I will be praying for the person who reads this, and I hope God will bless you in a huge way. I send many big hugs!

With much love,

Fatima Fernanda Reyes López

 Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua