Cedar Wood Cross Sculpture from Guatemala, "Light of the Cross"

“My name is Carlos Jiménez. I was born in La Antigua, Guatemala, in 1985. I am one of five children, and since we were little we were taught to achieve things in life through hard work.

“I learned what carpentry was when I was 11 years old, and when I was 13 I made my first piece of furniture. An uncle showed it to me. I liked woodwork a lot. At the age of 10, with another uncle, I started making jade items; but I didn't I fall in love with it as much as wood.

“I learned everything by trial and error. It was a process that brought me many sorrows, but also many joys. I love working; since I was a child it has been an essential part of my life. Thank God I have always had job opportunities, even if they are few; I have many clients who trust in my art.

“A few years ago I linked my life to an extraordinary woman, Irma, who would be my life partner and who today is my happiness. Together we form a beautiful family.

“Many times we live without worrying about what will happen, and we take our days lightly, until something happens and makes us realize that we must appreciate every ray of sun we receive every morning when we wake up. This year, very suddenly, my wife suffered a heart attack.. Everything happened so fast--they were moments of great tension and anguish, not knowing what would happen. But God has never abandoned us, and my wife was able to come out of this event unscathed.

“Everything can change from one day to the next, which is why I appreciate every day that God gives us, in which I can see my children and my wife awaken.”