My Story

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

What a wonderful day to greet you from Guatemala! I am Andy Daniel Mendez Barrera. I hope things turn out well for you. I am glad to share about me. I was born on August 23, 2018. I am 6 years old, and I attend pre-kindergarten. I like red, and my favorite animal is the panther. I love eating spaghetti. In my free time, I do my homework, and I enjoy playing soccer. About my health, well I am a healthy boy. I attend the feeding program by motorcycle, and it takes me 20 minutes to arrive. I just have one sister, and she is registered in the feeding program like me.

My biological father is Miguel Angel Mendez Barrera. Sadly, he abandoned our family 6 years ago. We do not know anything about him or even receive money from him. My mother´s name is Sulma Leticia Barrera Panjoj. She does the hard housework and takes care of us. She struggles to support us by weaving typical napkins. Thank God she is in good health. My paternal grandmother´s name is Josefa Panjo Xon. She helps my mother with our expenses. Her husband is Alberto Barrera, and he is in The United States. He works there as a gardener and sends money. So, my grandmother helps to support me.  My family attends the Liberty Church in Chixocol. Our main needs are clothes and food. About my house, I can tell you that we live in my maternal grandmother's house. The house belongs to my grandfather. The house has three rooms including a separate kitchen. There is running water and electricity, and we share the expenses with all the family. The house is made of tile roof, adobe walls, and cemented floor. Our domestic animals are chickens, one dog, one cat and a cow. Lastly, I just want to add that my mother gave all this information to the LW team to share with you. Well, this is all about me. I feel grateful that you took the time to read it. Take care!

Lots of love,

Andy Daniel Mendez Barrera

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua