My Story

Cuatro Caminos "four roads", where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Cuatro Caminos is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! My name is Sheyla Marcelina Sofia Ruiz Ruiz, and I hope my letter finds you well. I want to tell you about my life. I was born on March 17, 2019, so I am 5 years old. I am in good health, and I am in pre-kindergarten this year. In my free time, I like coloring. My favorite color is red, and I love elephants. I really enjoy eating soup. We live in a house that belongs to my maternal grandmother, and it has two rooms and a separated kitchen. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and concrete floor, and we have running water and electricity services.

I only have one brother. I walk for 1 hour to arrive at the program. I was not legally recognized by my father, so I only have my mother’s last names; her full name is Florinda Ruiz Ruiz.  She grows onions and raises domestic animals for selling; she is in good health. I have a stepfather and his name is Eulalio Calachij Rodriguez; he is 22 years old. He works as a farmer to support us. We believe in God, and we attend the Catholic Church. We have hens, pigs, cows and sheep at home. We are a humble family, and we are frequently in need of groceries. I tell you that my mom helped me to give my information to the Evangelism team, and she accompanies me to the program. Please keep us in your prayers. I say goodbye to you for now.

Many blessings

Sheyla Marcelina Sofia Ruiz Ruiz

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua Guatemala