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.

I want to tell you that I am so happy to be able to greet you today and tell you a little about myself. My name is Mirtalhy Jeovismar Mendez Estrada. I was born on November 12, 2018, and I will turn 8 years old this year. I live with my parents and one sister. Nelson Jeovany Mendez Natareno is my father. He left to go to the United States, and he works as a truck driver. Fortunately, he sends us financial support. Reyna Maria Isabel Estrada is my mother. She works as a maid in Zacualpa´s town, and when she goes to work, my older sister takes care of me. She has a heart murmur, and thanks to God, she is receiving medical care and is feeling good. As for me, I suffer from asthma; I have already visited a doctor, and I use an inhaler. Thanks to God, the rest of my family is doing well.

I am a first-grade student, and thanks to God, I am not repeating my grade. I love drawing and coloring. My favorite color is pink, and I love dogs. We have two dogs at home. The meal I love to have is rice and beans; it is delicious. My grandma, sister, and I are attending Liberty Church at Living Water. My parents do not attend any church. We live in my maternal grandmother's house, and she also lives there. It is an adobe house with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. There are three rooms and a kitchen. We have running water and electricity services; my mother pays for the water once a year and the electricity every month. For now, our greatest needs are groceries and school supplies. We trust in God and his provision in our lives. I am so happy and blessed to be enrolled in the feeding program; I arrive there by walking in fifteen minutes. I usually attend alongside my older sister. I thank you for taking the time to read my information today. May God bless you today and always!

A bunch of hugs,

Mirtalhy Jeovismar Mendez Estrada

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