My Story

Jocotenango, where your child lives, is in the state of Sacatepequez, Guatemala and is a suburb of Antigua. It is an urban environment and is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). Most of the children attend school, but financial hardship affects many families and forces most of the children to leave after the sixth grade. Only one out of ten children finish high school. Children in this area face temptations from gangs and drugs.

Hello! My name is Yenifer Abigail Calel Martin, and I am writing this letter with my mother’s help. I want to tell you a little about me. I am 5 years old, and I was born on October 21, 2020.  My parents’ names are Anderson Tomas Calel Ticum and Mariana Griselda Martin Gonzalez. My dad works as a fast-food delivery man while my mom works hard at home. I only have one brother. As a family. we are attending an Evangelical Church called Old Jerusalem. I would like to ask for your prayers for my family and me so that God always provides us with groceries and food.

I am attending school this year, and I am in pre-kindergarten. I love coloring in my free time, and my favorite color is pink. I really enjoy eating pizza, and I like pandas. Thank God, I am in good health. My family rents a house made of concrete block with a tin sheet roof and concrete floor. It has running water, electricity and two rooms; there is not a kitchen so my mother cooks outdoors. The rent payment is Q1,500.00 quetzals ($200.00) per month. I walk for 10 minutes to arrive at the feeding program, and I am happy to be part of it. I say goodbye for now, and I hope to have news from you soon.

In Jesus name

Yenifer Abigail Calel Martin

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