Duenas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult. 

Hello! This is Cristofer Daniel Arevalo Santos, and I hope you are fine. I am writing this letter to tell you a little about me. I am a healthy boy, and I am 7 years old; I was born on December 17, 2018. I am attending school, and I am in 1st grade this year. In my free time, I color and play soccer. I love eating rice with chicken, and I like the color red. My favorite animal is the tiger. I only have one sister. My family and I believe in God, and we are members of the Catholic Church. Please pray for us since we are always in need of groceries. I have to walk for 20 minutes to arrive at the feeding program, and I am happy to be part of it.   

I was not legally recognized by my biological father, and he has never taken responsibility for me. My mother’s name is Jilda Noemi Arevalo Santos, and she works hard at home. She established a new relationship with Mr. Diego Yat Alonzo, and he has lived with us for 5 years. He works a as a mason helper and covers all our needs. He is my little sister’s biological father. He has three children from another partner, and they live with us. We live in a rented house, and my stepfather pays Q700.00 quetzals (about $94.00) per month. The house is all made of tin sheets with a concrete floor; it only has two rooms, so there is one room where we sleep and cook at the same time. We have running water and electricity. Well, this is all for now. 

Kisses and hugs 

Cristofer Daniel Arevalo Santos 

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua