My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, 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 Quiché is always a challenge.

Hello, I send you many blessings in the name of Jesus. I am so happy to be able to tell you a little bit about myself today! This is Yaretzi Yamileth Gutierrez Tiquiram. My birth date is December 4, 2021. I was born in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 4 years old. My father is Felix Jonathan Gutierrez Ruiz. Sad to say, he traveled to the United States, and he abandoned us some time later. We know nothing about him so far. My mother is Manuela Ermita Tiquiram Gutierrez. She makes a living by selling fruits in the market on Thursdays and Sundays and raises hens. She is a hardworking woman. I have no siblings. Thank God, I am in good health, and so is my mother. Even though she was sick with a cough, she is doing well now.

I am not attending school yet; God willing, I will go next year. I enjoy drawing and playing with my toy dishes. My favorite color is red, and I love puppies. A meal I love to have is scrambled eggs with fried beans; it is delicious. My mom and I are attending a Christian Church. We are living in my maternal grandparents’ house; they and two aunts are also living there. The house has three rooms and a kitchen; it is made of blocks with a tile roof and a cement floor. We have water and electricity; my grandfather pays for them. For now, our greatest needs are groceries, corn and clothes. I am so blessed to be part of the feeding program, and I get there in 30 minutes by car. My mom accompanies me to the program. I would love to say so much more, but I must say goodbye now. May our Lord bless you wherever you go!

Warm hugs,

Yaretzi Yamileth Gutierrez Tiquiram

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