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.

My full name is Catarina Vanessa Marcos Pedro, and I am excited to tell you a little about my life through this letter. I was born on January 20, 2017. Today, I am a healthy 7-year-old girl. I do not attend school, but I hope to do it next year. My favorite food is black beans, I like horses, and my favorite color is pink. My favorite pastime is playing with my dolls. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. I have two brothers and two sisters. My mom is Manuela Pedro Cristobal, and she does her best to move forward with my siblings and me. She works as a farmer alongside my grandfather, Marcos Francisco. My grandfather, his wife, and his two children live with us. We share the expenses with them. As for my biological father, let me tell you that he abandoned us a few years ago. My mom heard that he works as a farmer to survive. His name is Sebastian Marcos Ramirez.

My whole family and I attend the Catholic Church in our town. We live in a rented house which costs Q700=$90.52 monthly. This payment also covers the electricity and running water services. The property has two rooms and a separate kitchen. The walls and roofs are made of tin sheets, and dirt floors. Fortunately, we have enough space to raise six chickens at home. I want you to know that my siblings and I are glad to be part of the project because it blesses us with delicious food. The feeding program is a five-minute walk from where I live. I will leave you now, but I ask you to pray for the provision and prosperity of my family. One of our main needs is food. May God bless you richly!

Best wishes,

Catarina Vanessa Marcos Pedro

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala