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 Georgui Antoni. I am 8 years old. My mother provided this information to the LW teacher to share with you. I was born Joyabaj, Quiche on May 19, 2015. I am repeating first grade at school this year. I like dogs and the color yellow. In my free time, I like playing with toy cars and football. My favorite dish is white rice. Thank God, I am in good health. I have two brothers. I usually walk for 5 minutes to attend the feeding program with one of my brothers.

I live with my mother and brothers. My father´s name Mario Benito Garcia. Unfortunately, he passed away 5 years ago. For that day my mother became our only supporter. Her name is Maria Cristina Garcia Garcia. She struggles to support us by doing the cleaning and washing clothes for others twice a week. Meanwhile, she left us under the care of my aunt who lives near us. We attend the Pentecostal Church.

We live alone in my aunt´s house. Thankfully, we do not pay any rent. The house has two rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of block walls, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. There is running water and electricity that my mother pays. Our domestic animals are chickens. Our main necessities are clothes and food. I thank you very much for your interest about my life. I bless you in the name of Jesus. I hope to have another opportunity to write you and know more about you.  

Best regards from now on,

Gueorgui Antoni Benito Garcia

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua