My Story

Duenas, 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.

It is a beautiful day to say hello to you, and I hope this finds you doing well! My full name is Yaquelin Gabriela Ordonez Poron. I was born on March 11, 2018, and I am an 8-year-old girl. By the grace of God, I am healthy and so is my family. This year I am a second-grade student. My hobby is playing with my dolls. I like dogs and my favorite color is pink. I love eating pizza. My mother is Maria Teresa Poron Melgar. She works as a farmer on the Tempisque farm. My grandma has a small store, and she helps us a little bit with the expenses. My father is Fredi Leonel Ordonez Morales. Unfortunately, he has problems with alcohol and has never lived with us. He works in a plant nursery and occasionally, he helps us, but it is just a little.

We are Christians and are attending the Upper Room Christian Church. We are living in San Sebastian farm, and fortunately, we do not pay any rent. There is an aunt living with us. We use a room made of tin sheets with a dirt floor. We have running water and electricity; my grandma, aunt and mom contribute to pay for them. Our pets are two cats and a dog. We are a humble family, and our greatest need is groceries. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be enrolled in the feeding program, and I walk only 11 minutes to arrive. Well, for the time being that is all, but I would like to hear news from you very soon.
Many rich blessings over you!

Warm hugs,

Yaquelin Gabriela Ordonez Poron

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, A-A-C Secretary-Antigua