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 Yarleth Angela Rufina Aguilar De Leon and I am so happy to greet you by means of this informative letter. I was born on January 28, 2022. I am in good health and my favorite color is pink. I love playing with dolls and pretending to cook with plastic food toys. I like cats and my favorite food is spaghetti. I live with my parents and I have only two brothers. My father’s name is Joel Abraham Aguilar Sicajan. He works as a mechanic, while my mother takes care of our family. Her name is Norma Floricelda De Leon Chingo.

Thankfully, my whole family is doing well. We are members of the Full Gospel Church. We live in a rented house and my father pays Q900=$118.04 for rent monthly. It is made of bricks with tin sheet roof and concrete floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. We have chickens at home for our consumption. The feeding program is about five minutes from where I live. I usually get there on foot, but I sometimes take a bus to get there faster. It is almost time to say goodbye, but I kindly ask you to pray for my family. Most of our needs are groceries. Until next time!

With much love,

Yarleth Angela Rufina Aguilar De Leon

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala