My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy.

My full name is Gessler Alejandro Benito Oxlaj and I am so happy to greet you by means of this informative letter. I was born on August 15, 2021. Thankfully, I am a healthy boy and I love having chicken broth. I still do not attend school because of my young age. My favorite color is green and I like cats. My favorite pastime is playing with toy cars. I attend the Catholic Church alongside my family. Thankfully, we are in good health. My father works hard as a sales promoter for a vet. His name is Alejandrino Benito Gutierrez, and because of his work, he goes to the nearby farms to vaccinate the cattle. My mother is a housewife and strives to contribute to the expenses. Her name is Lucia Elizabeth Oxlaj Ajqui and she embroiders napkins to sell.

We live with my paternal grandmother at her house. My father covers the expenses of my grandmother because she cannot work due to her advanced age. The house is made of adobe with tile roofs and dirt floors. It has one room, a separate kitchen, a well to get water and electricity. We raise chickens at home for our consumption. The feeding program is about fifteen minutes from where I live. My mother usually accompanies me. We get there on foot, but we sometimes take a bus. To end this letter, I kindly ask you to pray for my family and our needs. Most of them are groceries and corn. Until next time!

Sincerely yours,

Gessler Alejandro Benito Oxlaj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala