My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian 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 Tunajá is extremely difficult.

I am Jaime Brayan Quixan Ixporcuac and I feel happy to greet you today. I would like to tell you about my life and family. I was born on January 23, 2018. My health is good. I do not attend school due to my young age. I like playing with toy cards. I love eating fried chicken. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite pet is a dog. We are members of the House of Prayer Church.

Sadly, my father abandoned our family 5 years ago. His name is Delmo Quixan Luis. He does not help us economically. I live with my grandmother and mother. My mother´s name is Josefa Magdalena Ixporcuac Coj. She struggles to support our family by working as a day laborer sometimes. She also sells chickens that she raises. I have one brother and one sister. We walk together for 15 minutes to attend the feeding program. We live in my grandmother's house. Her name is Elena Coj. The house has 3 rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of brick walls and cement roof and floor. We have running water and electricity. My grandmother and mother share the electricity payment every month. Our greatest necessity at home is food. About health, my mother has been suffering from her nerves. She is only taking natural medicine since she cannot visit the doctor due to our low economic resources. For that reason, I would like to ask for your prayers for her health. I really appreciate you taking the time to read this. My mother provided all this information to the LW team for you. I look forward to hearing from you. May God bless and protect you wherever you are!

Lots of love,

Jaime Brayan Quixan Ixporcuac

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua