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! My full name is Hilda Esperanza de Leon Chitic and I was born on July 2, 2017 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am 9 years old and I am a healthy girl. I am in 2^nd grade this year. I like to play with dolls and pink is my favorite color. I love cats and to eat fried chicken. I have four brothers and two of them are registered in the Feeding Program. We come to the project in 20 minutes by bus. My mother accompanies us. Her name is Ana Chitic Panjoj. She raises and sells her hens to contribute to the home expenses. Unfortunately, she is suffering from an allergy in her body, but she has not visited the doctor due to a lack of money.  My father`s name is Carlos de Leon de la Cruz and he earns a living as a day laborer. Moreover, he makes artisanal wells to cover our family needs. Currently, he has problems with his mobility because he wears a prothesis on his right leg. Recently, he suffered a motorcycle accident and his prothesis is broken and damaged. For him, it has been so difficult to walk, but he continues struggling every day for our family.

Thankfully, we are persevering in the Assembly of God Christian Church. Our priority needs are groceries, corn and clothing. We have pigs and hens at home, but my mother would like to have some chicks because we have enough space in the house for them. The house where we live belongs to my father and we have three adobe rooms with tin sheet and cemented floors. We also have a separated kitchen. We have running water and electricity. My father pays the water service yearly and the electricity once a month. It was a blessing for me to share to my personal information. Have a nice day!

Warm wishes,

Hilda Esperanza de Leon Chitic

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua