My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

I feel so blessed to be part of the feeding program and be able to send you my regards. My name is Kerly Samara Esther Ruiz Chom. I was born on December 6, 2018. I will turn 8 years old this year. My parents enrolled me at school and I am in first grade. My favorite color is pink and I love rabbits. I like to spend time painting. The food I prefer is spaghetti. Thank God, I am in good health. We are a happy family of five: My parents, my brothers and I. By the grace of the Lord, they are healthy. My father is Rolando Ruiz Garcia. He has lived and worked in the United States as an electrician´s helper for 3 years. He is a responsible father and he sends us a monthly support. He keeps in touch with us. My mother is Brenda Ester Chom Jimon. She works as a secretary at a government agency (RENAP-National Registry of Persons). I have two brothers who attend the feeding program too. My grandparents look after us while my mother is at work. My family are members of a Liberty Church. 

The house where we live belongs to my parents. There are three rooms made of block, concrete roof and ceramic floor. There is a separate kitchen. We have running water and electricity. My parents pay for these services. Our greatest need now is groceries. It is a 10-minute walk from my house to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

God bless you,

Kerly Samara Esther Ruiz Chom

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez