My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Being part of the feeding program has been a wonderful experience and a big blessing for me. Please accept warm regards from Darla Giamile Valey Garcia. I am 3 years old. I was born on October 22, 2022. My parents did not enroll me in school due to my young age. I enjoy spending time playing dolls. My favorite animal is the goose and I love the color white. I like to eat fried chicken. About my family: By grace of God they are great and in good health. My father is Edy Wilfredo Valey Gutierrez. He works as a security guard in a bank. My mother is Manuela Candelaria Garcia Gutierez. She is a housewife, and she raises hens, turkeys and geese to sell. I have one sister and one brother. He attends the feeding program too. My family attends a Catholic church.

I live in my uncle´s house. We are grateful to him because he does not charge us rent. There are four rooms made of block, tin sheet and ceramic floor and a separate kitchen. It has running water and electricity. My father pays for these services. We share a home with my paternal grandmother. Our main needs are groceries and clothes. It takes me about 10 minutes by tuc-tuc from home to get to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I hope you like it.

God bless you!

Darla Giamile Valey Garcia

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez