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 share my information through Living Water! My name is Dilan Omar Godinez Xulu. I was born on August 6, 2017, and I turn 9 years old this year. I live very happily alongside my parents and sister. By the grace of God, my family and I are in good health. My father´s name is Milton Omar Godinez Yapan. He makes a living as a construction assistant. My mother´s name is Evelyn Sucely Xulu Reyes. She is a housewife, but she goes to clean in a house twice a week to get some income. We are members of the Vision of Faith Church of Noah's Ark.

I am in 2^nd grade at school. My hobby is playing football. I love eating spaghetti because it is delicious. I like dogs, and my favorite color is red. We are living in my grandparents’ house. There are two rooms; however, we use only one room. The walls and roof are made of metal sheets with a cement floor. There are water and electricity, and my parents pay for them every month. As a family, our greatest need is medical care because when some of us get sick, it is hard to buy medicines. That is the reason I am so grateful to be enrolled in the feeding program because I will receive medical care, especially because I suffer from a cough. I walk for 30 minutes to arrive at the program, but I enjoy going to the program. This is all for now and I hope to hear news from you very soon. Every kind of blessing over you!

With all my love,

Dilan Omar Godinez Xulu

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