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 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 very high and the children are very needy.

It is a wonderful day to greet you in the name of Jesus. I am so happy to introduce myself in this opportunity. My name is Maria Elena Suy Tzoc. I was born on September 4, 2014 in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Quiche, Guatemala. I am now 11 years old. I live with my mother, two brothers and one sister. I thank God because we all are in good health. My father was Leonardo Suy Cuin, and sadly, he passed away about 6 years ago due to alcoholism. Tomasa Narcisa Tzoc Canil de De Suy is my mother. I love her so much because, since my father passed away, she has been struggling for our family, but we have gone through difficulties. She works by tending a grocery store.

I will share a few things about myself. I am a fifth-grade student this year. My hobby is to ride a bicycle. I love the color pink, and the animal I like the most is the cat. The meal I love the most is spaghetti. We are members of the Catholic Church. We live in a rented room and the monthly payment is Q500.00 = $67.00. The room is made of blocks with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. There are running water and electricity services. My mother pays for those services monthly. We raise chicks. For now, our greatest needs are groceries. I would like you to pray for my family because my mother does not earn very much and it is hard for her to supply all the expenses. I am so blessed to be enrolled in the feeding program and receive the benefits. I walk for 15 minutes to arrive at the program and I attend alongside my siblings. Well, this is all for now and I would like to hear news from you very soon. Every kind of blessing over you!

Lots of love,

Maria Elena Suy Tzoc

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala