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 Jennifer Alexandra del Rocio Lara Giron, and I fondly greet you. I was born on October 21, 2020. I am a healthy 3-year-old girl. Because of my age, I do not attend school. Therefore, I stay home with my mom. I have a lot of fun playing with my dolls. My favorite color is pink, I like cats, and my favorite food is pepian (this is a Guatemalan traditional casserole). Fortunately, I have a lovely family. At the moment, I only have one brother. My father is David Damian Lara Gutierrez. He makes a living as a baker in the city. On the other hand, my mom dedicates her full time to looking after our family. Her name is Karin Paola Giron Ramos. She helped me to write this letter to you.

My family and I live in our own house. Let me tell you that my grandparents live with us. The house’s walls and roofs are made of tin sheets with dirt floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father covers the bills for those services monthly. We have three hens and four chickens at home. Luckily, the feeding program is a fifteen-minute walk from where I live. I am glad to be part of the project because my brother and I can enjoy delicious food for free. As for our spiritual life, let me tell you that we do not attend any church. However, we trust in God, and taking advantage of this opportunity, I ask you to pray for my family and needs. One of our greatest needs is a new bed. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

With much love,

Jennifer Alexandra del Rocio Lara Giron

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala