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! This is Fatima Cecilia Lopez Lara, and I am so happy to write this letter to share my information with you. I was born on March 17, 2010. I am 14 years old, my favorite color is black, and I love rabbits. Fortunately, I am in eighth grade and everything is going well at school. Guatemalan typical food is tasty, but my favorite is estofado (chicken or beef stew). I like doing many things in my free time, but I enjoy watching TV the most. Let me tell you that I live with my parents and two brothers. Thankfully, we are all in good health. My mom is Dora Leticia Lara Gutierrez; she is a hardworking housewife. My father earns his income by working hard as a farmer in our town. His name is Elvis Leonel Lopez Pelen.

My family and I know that praying is the key to strengthening our souls, so I ask you to pray for us. We attend the Catholic Church in our town. We live on a piece of land that belongs to my father's uncle, Rosalio Pelen. The house is mostly made of tin sheets with dirt floors. However, one of the walls is made of concrete blocks. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen at home, but we only use two. Fortunately, the house has electricity and running water services. To end this letter, let me tell you that my family and I praise the Lord because LW-Adopt A Child has been a great blessing for us. My siblings and I usually walk for 20 minutes to get there. I say goodbye to you now, but I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Best wishes,

Fatima Cecilia Lopez Lara

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary /Antigua Guatemala