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.

Hello! It is such a blessing to greet you through this letter. I am Bryan Eduardo Chingo Chingo and I will tell you a little bit about my life. I was born on October 7, 2020. Thankfully, I am a in good health and I am in pre-kinder. My favorite pastimes are playing soccer and toy cars. I love having spaghetti with eggs for my meals. I like the color sky-blue and my favorite animals are hens. I only have one brother, but no sisters. We live under the care of my grandmother since my mother traveled to the United States about two years ago to support our family. My mother’s name is Ana Delisandra Chingo Chingo. She is doing well and works at a restaurant. She established a relationship with Mr. Alberto Lares in that country. He makes a living as a cook.

My grandmother’s name is Elvira Chingo Morente. She is a housewife and raises chickens for occasional sales. She is doing well, just like my grandfather. Some of my uncles and their families live with us. We live all together in a three-room house, which belongs to my grandparents. It is made of adobe with tin sheet roof and concrete floors. We prepare our meals in an improvised kitchen made of wood and tin sheets. Thankfully, we have running water and electricity at home. The feeding program is about five minutes from where I live. My grandfather accompanies me there. We usually walk to get there, but occasionally take a bus to get there faster. It is time to say goodbye, but I want you to know that my family and I are members of the Catholic Church. Until next time!

Huge hugs,

Bryan Eduardo Chingo Chingo

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala