Duenas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult. 

Hello! My name is Cruz Eduardo Jerez Ordonez, and I am in good health. I was born on April 12, 2019, so I am 7 years old now. I am attending school this year, and I am in 1st grade. In my free time, I like playing with my toys. My favorite food is chicken, and I love the color red. The animal that I like the most is the squirrel. At the moment, we are not attending a church. I have two brothers and one sister; she helped me to write this letter. I walk for 20 minutes to arrive at the feeding program.   

I was not legally recognized by my biological father, but his name is Ricardo Sagche. He has not lived with us since I was a little child due to family problems. He is a farmer but he does not help us financially. My mother’s name is Maria Elizabeth Jerez Ordonez, and she works as a farmer to cover our needs. We live in a farm, and thankfully, we do not have to pay any rent. We share the house with another family, and it is made of tin sheets with a dirt floor. We have running water and electricity services. We have dogs as pets. We are a humble family, and our frequent needs are groceries. I end this letter hoping you find it interesting.   

With much love  

Cruz Eduardo Jerez Ordonez 

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua