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 am very happy to share my information through this. My full name is Maria Paola Gonzalez Jimon. I was born on April 11, 2018, in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am now 8 years old, and thanks to God, I am healthy. I am attending second grade at school this year. I enjoy playing with my dolls when I am at home. My favorite color is purple. The animal I like the most is the rabbit. My favorite meal is pizza. I live with my parents, one brother and one sister. Thankfully, my whole family is doing well. My father´s name is Sebastian Gonzalez Pol. He works in a plant nursery, and he is responsible for our family. My mother´s name is Rosa Jimon Castro. She takes care of the house and raises hens. Furthermore, she weaves typical blouses to sell to get income. I love to see that my parents support each other to take our family ahead.

We are members of the King of the Centuries Christian Church. I am grateful that my parents own the house we live in, and that my paternal grandma lives with us. There are two adobe rooms with a tile roof and a cement floor. The kitchen is separate. We have electricity service; my parents pay for it every month. We get the water from a well. Our pets are a few dogs. As a family, our greatest needs are groceries. I am very happy to be enrolled in the feeding program, and I get there in 25 minutes by car; my mom accompanies us to the program. Thank you so much for stopping and taking the time to read my information today. Many and abundant blessings for you!

With all my love,

Maria Paola Gonzalez Jimon

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