My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayani dialect - Quiché. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system. Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it. Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area. Life in Tunaja is difficult.

Hello, I am Siomara Liliana. I turned 8 years old on June 12. I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche in 2015. I am a first grader this year and I am not repeating. I like spending my free time playing with dolls. My favorite color is blue. Thank God, I am in good health. I like rabbits. My favorite dish is omelet with tomato. I usually walk for 30 minutes to attend the feeding program.

I am under the care of my paternal grandmother Zoila de Leon because both of my parents are in The United States. My father´s name is Gregorio Gonzalez de Leon. He has been in The States for 2 years. He keeps in touch with me and supports me economically. He works as a cook in a restaurant. My mother´s name is Rosa Angelica Chingo Mucia. She traveled one year and a half ago. She calls me every month. She works in a pastry shop. I also have three sisters, but they are in The United States too.

I live in my grandmother´s house. She is the owner, but three uncles and three cousins also live there. The house has two rooms and a separate kitchen made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. My grandmother is in charge of paying the running water and electricity. We do not have any domestic animals at home. Our main necessity is food. Before I finish sharing this about me, I want you to know that my cousin Kimberly gave all this information to the LW teacher. Thank you for your interest in reading it. May God bless and protect you wherever you are! Take care!

Best regards from now on,

Siomara Liliana Gonzalez Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua