My Story

Dueñas, 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 Dueñas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

Hello! My name is Diana Noemi Gomez Arias, and before telling you about my life, I want to express my gratitude to you for reading my letter. I hope you find it engaging. I was born on May 4, 2017. I am a healthy girl, and attend school as a kindergartener. My favorite pastimes are playing with dolls. My favorite color is yellow, I love dogs, and my favorite dish is fried chicken with French fries. I live with my mom, oldest brother, and stepfather. I do not have sisters. My biological father’s name is Jose Gomez Lopez. He separated from my mom about two years ago. He sometimes is in communication with my sister and me. He sends us Q700=$89.33 monthly to cover some of our needs, although he does not always do it. My mother’s name is Delmy Roxana Arias Guzman. She keeps busy doing the chores and taking care of my sister and me. She just established a new relationship with a man who helps us economically. My stepfather’s name is Byron Anibal Lara Sas. He works at Costa Sol Farm by fertilizing the plants. I want to use this opportunity to ask for your prayers for my brother’s health. He has a hernia and suffers from body pains. My mom took him to the doctor and now, he is under medical treatment.

My family and I sometimes attend Liberty Church. We live in a house that belongs to my stepfather. Some of his relatives also live there. There are four rooms at home, but we only use one; therefore, we prepare our meals and sleep in the same room. The house is made of concrete blocks with tin sheet roof and concrete floors. We have electricity and running water. We share the expenses with all the people that live there. As for pets, let me tell you that we have a lovely rabbit. Some of our needs are to have an extra bed and a new closet. I am glad because I can have delicious food and meet new children at the feeding program. My brother and I usually walk five minutes from our home to get there. To end, I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to an AAC secretary. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope to hear from you soon. Have a beautiful day!

In the name of Jesus,

Diana Noemi Gomez Arias

Translated by: Hillary Popol / AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala