My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, 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 Quiché is always a challenge.

Hello, I want to tell you that I am so happy to be able to greet you today and tell you a little bit about myself. I am Elmer Rolando Sabino Riz Sicajau. I was born on April 30, 2022, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 4 years old and I am a healthy boy. I do not attend school yet because of my age. For now, I enjoy playing football. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite animals are hens. I love to eat fried chicken. I have one brother and three sisters. My father, siblings and I are in good health. My mom is having health issues; she is taking medicine. However, it seems that it does not help her very much. Please include my mom in your prayers. We attend the Methodist church.

My father´s name is Sabino Riz Jimon. He works as a farmer; however, he is not responsible, and there are times when he does not provide for home expenses. So, we have gone through many difficulties at home. My mother´s name is Sebastiana Sicajau Luis. She does the household work and takes care of my siblings and me. She also raises hens. The house in which we live belongs to my maternal grandmother. We share the house with my grandparents and uncles. There are three adobe rooms with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. There is also a kitchen. We get water from a well, and we have a solar panel to get light. Our greatest needs are groceries, corn, and clothes. I am very happy to be enrolled in the Chixocol feeding program; I get there by walking in one hour. My aunt Micaela takes me to the program. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart for the people in Guatemala like me. I pray our Lord blesses you abundantly!

Special hugs,

Elmer Rolando Sabino Riz Sicajau

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