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 Jessica Ana Luz Matzar Perez. I was born on November 21, 2012, and I am 11 years old. This year I am in 2^nd grade; I have had difficulties learning and moving forward in my studies. In the latest years, I did not have my teacher´s support because we did not have face-to-face classes because of the pandemic, which it made more difficult for me to learn. I love the color purple, and the cat is my favorite animal. About food, let me tell you that I love eating pizza. I enjoy playing soccer. I have 3 brothers and 6 sisters; fortunately, we are fine. I want to ask for your prayers for my mother who suffers from uric acid and diabetes, but she has medical care at the hospital in Antigua Guatemala town.

I started living with my sister Wendy Marisol Ojer Pérez, my aunt Jennifer Magali Pérez Gutiérrez and her family about two years ago. My aunt is the one who covers my needs since my mother takes care of the expenses of my other siblings. Some time ago, my sister Astrid went to work in Guatemala City, but she made bad friendships and started with a disorderly life and drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, she was under legal age, and the PGN (They are responsible for ensuring the rights and well-being of children and adolescents) found out about the situation. If my mother did not take my sister under her care; they could have separated my sister from us. So, my mother decided to take her and live in Escuintla town; that is the reason why I am not living with her. My mother´s name is Rosa Perez Gutierrez. She has a business selling fruits on the side of the highway to supply my siblings’ needs. In addition, my two older siblings are working and helping my mother with the home expenses. My brother works in a pet shop. My father´s name is Edgar Baudilio Matzar Savala. However, he abandoned us about four years ago, and we do not have any communication with him.

My family and I are Catholics. My mother owns the house where they live; there is only one room where they sleep and cook. It is a block room with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. There is a running water and electricity service; my mother pays for them. They have hens and a dog. My aunt and her husband rent the house in which we live; the monthly payment is Q700.00 = $94.00 and they pay for it. There is one block room with a tin sheet roof, and a cement floor. The kitchen is separated, and it is made of the same materials. There is running water and electricity services, and my aunt and partner pay for them. As a family, our most basic needs are food, clothing, and footwear. I walk about 20 minutes to get to the feeding program. My sister Wendy Marisol Ojer Perez provided my personal information to the Living Water staff for my registration. Many hugs. May God bless you greatly!

Warm regards,

Jessica Ana Luz Matzar Perez

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