My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiché Indians 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 the name of Jesus hoping you are doing well. My name is Evelyn Lorena Grave Lindo and I am 7 years old. I was born on August 13, 2018 in a village called Joyabaj. Now, my family and I live in Zacualpa village. My father is Israel Grave Lopez. He makes a living as a farmer and day laborer. My mother is Juana Lindo Tino. She does the housework and raises hens and cows for selling. Moreover, she washes clothes for others to earn some money. I have four brothers and no sisters. I would like you to pray for my health because I frequently get sick with a cough. My mom has taken me to the doctor, and I take medicines; however, I only stay well for a few weeks, and then, I get sick again. Thank God, my loved ones are in good health.

I want to share a few things about myself. I am in first grade this year. I like to play tag. I love the color purple, and the animal I like the most is the cat. My favorite meal is noodle soup. We are a Christian family and we are attending the Prince of Peace Church. Thankfully, my father owns the house in which we live. There are two adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and a cement floor. We have electricity but no water; my parents pay for the electricity every month. My stepfather´s mother shares water with us. We raise hens and a cow. The greatest needs for us are groceries and clothes. I am so grateful to be enrolled in the feeding program. I live an hour away, and I have to walk for 20 minutes, and then, I take a tuk-tuk. My mom usually accompanies me to the program. This is all for now, but feel free to ask for more information about me. Every kind of blessing over you!

Warm hugs,

Evelyn Lorena Grave Lindo

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala