My Story

Duenas, 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 Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

I greet you on this beautiful day and I hope our Lord is blessing you! My name is Juan David Hernandez Poron, and my birth date is October 4^th, 2013. My current age is 12 years old. I live happily with my parents and brother. By the grace of God, we are in good health. My father is Juan David Hernandez Guachin. He makes a living as a farmer to provide for our home needs. My mother is Monica Maria Poron Melgar. She usually stays busy with the household work. I am a sixth-grade student this year. My hobby is playing football. I love dogs. The meal I love the most is burger patties. My favorite color is blue. We are attending the Catholic Church; it is in the center of the plaza of our village.

I am so happy to be enrolled in the feeding program, and it is a great blessing for my family. We live in San Sebastian farm and fortunately, we do not pay any rent since our relatives are working in the farm. There are three families living there. We have one room, and it is entirely made of metal sheets. The floor is made of ceramic. There is running water and electricity; the three families contribute to pay for those services. Our pets are 4 dogs, 7 parakeets, and 4 hens. For now, our greatest need is a wardrobe. I am so blessed to be enrolled in the feeding program, and I just walk 15 minutes. This is all for now and I would like to hear news from you very soon. Every blessing to you!

Lots of love,

Juan David Hernandez Poron

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, A-A-C Secretary-Antigua