My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans 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.

My full name is Miriam Elizabeth Gonzalez Coj and I fondly greet you, hoping you enjoy reading my information. I am so happy to be part of the feeding program in Zacualpa village, which is about 20 minutes away from where I live. Some sisters are enrolled there too. We usually get there on foot, and other times by bus. I am 7 years old and I am in good health. I was born on December 6, 2018. I am in first grade and what I like the most is playing with dolls in my free time. I love having eggs with sausages for my meals. My favorite color is purple, and I like rabbits. The people who I live with are my mother and siblings. I have two brothers and four sisters. Thankfully, they are doing well.

My mother’s name is Laureana Gonzales Coj and she is the main supporter of our family. She makes a living by embroidering typical clothes and selling chickens that she raises. About my biological father, I tell you that he could not recognize me legally because he is in prison unfortunately. I know he is doing well because my mother visits him monthly. At the moment, my family and I do not attend any church. We live in our own two-room house with a separate kitchen and electricity. A neighbor shares the running water service with us, and my mother pays him for it monthly. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and dirt floor. My family and I do not attend any church at the moment, but I hope we can do it soon. I will leave you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter.

Special regards,

Miriam Elizabeth Gonzalez Coj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala