My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. Both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry) inhabit the village. The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes usually constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small and specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers, and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is extremely high, and the children are very needy.

Hello! My full name is Maria Esmeralda Ruiz Lindo, and in this opportunity, I will tell you a little bit about myself. I was born on June 25, 2019, so I am 5 years old. I attend school as a pre-kindergartener and my favorite food is fried chicken. I like rabbits and my favorite color is pink. I love playing dolls with my sisters. I have three brothers and four sisters. Now, I want to tell you about my family. My father is Abraham Ruiz Riz, and he makes a living as a farmer. He strives to provide our family with food and clothes, but it is sometimes difficult because everything is expensive. Therefore, I beg you to pray for us. My mother is Maria Lindo Leon de Ruiz. She also works hard by cleaning our home and preparing our meals.

Thankfully, we are all in good health. As for our spiritual life, let me tell you that we do not attend any church. We live with my maternal grandfather in his house. My father helps to cover the electricity and running water expenses. We share the house with some of my uncles and aunts. The house is made of adobe, a tile roof, and a concrete floor. It has three rooms and a separate kitchen. We have hens, hens, cats, and dogs at home. I live a little far from the feeding program. So, my mom takes me there by motorcycle most of the time. The trip takes us 15 minutes from where we live. Before saying goodbye to you, let me tell you that my mother helped me to give all this information to a teacher of the LW evangelism team. Have a wonderful day!

In the name of Jesus,

Maria Esmeralda Ruiz Lindo

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary