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.

May the grace of the Lord be with all of you! My full name is Jordi Jeferson Alonzo Palax, and I tell you that I am glad to share my story with you through this letter. I was born on October 30, 2012. Today, I am a healthy 11-year-old boy. I am doing my best at school as a fourth grader. My favorite color is blue, I enjoy playing basketball with my friends in my free time, and my favorite food is salad. There are a lot of beautiful animals, but my favorites are wolves. I live with my parents, one brother, and one sister. My father is Victor Manuel Alonzo Alonzo. He is a mason, so he keeps moving from one place to another. On the other hand, my mom keeps busy with the housework and looking after our family. Her name is Marta Julia Palax Meletz.

My family and I attend the Catholic Church in our town. I beg you to pray for my whole family and me so the Lord keeps us healthy and safe. We live in a rented house made of concrete block walls and roofs with ceramic floors. The property has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father pays Q1,000=$129.31 of rent monthly. Besides that, he must cover the service bills. Luckily, my house is a twenty-minute walk from the feeding program. I enjoy having tasty food and making new friends there. Therefore, I am grateful for being part of the project. I say goodbye to you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my information. My mom helped me to write this letter to you. See you later!

Cordiality yours,

Jordi Jeferson Alonzo Palax

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala