My Story

It is my pleasure to send my greetings hoping you are doing great! I do not attend church since I am living with my cousin. This time LW staff shared the gospel with me and encouraged me to look for a church and seek God; they reminded me that Jesus came to save us, and it is important to have a relationship with him. Thankfully, I am healthy and so is my family. My father is Celestino Hernandez, and he works by selling coconut water in Joyabaj village. My mother is Santa Gutierrez, and she is a housewife. I went to live with my cousin, and I am working with her by doing the housework. Hardly ever do I go to visit my parents. Since I am with my cousin, I do not receive any support from my parents. My cousin is Ingrid Sarat. She is a housewife and raises hens to sell and get income. Her husband, Joel, continues to work in the United States and sends financial support. We harvest corn and black beans for the family's consumption.

I am Ofelia Lucrecia Hernandez Gutierrez, and I am 14 years old. I dropped out of school because my family was not able to pay for my schooling. So now, I am working with my cousin. My dream is to learn how to cook and become a good cook. Let me tell you, the language that catches my attention is English, so I want to learn it. The sport I like the most is football. I like sodas, especially Coca-Cola which is my favorite one. I like Christmas time; my family gets together, and we eat “tamales” (a typical dish) at Christmas Eve dinner. On my birthday, I would like to receive a cake and some gift; it will make me so happy. I am so happy to be part of the Living Water program; I receive food and medical care in the clinics, and it is a great support for me. My greatest needs are groceries, corn, black beans and soap. I send much love and I hope to hear news from you soon. Every blessing for you!

Warm regards,

Ofelia Lucrecia Hernandez Gutierrez

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala