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.

It is great to say hello for the first time. Let me introduce myself. My name is Yennifer Mishel Morente Simaj. I am healthy five-year-old girl. I was born on August 11, 2019. I am not at school yet. I enjoy playing with my dolls. My favorite dish is roasted chicken. I like yellow color, and my favorite animal is dog. I only have two brothers. My mother walks with us to the feeding program and it takes us 15 minutes to arrive.

My biological father is Samuel Morente de la Cruz. He only legally recognized me when I was born and abandoned our family. We do not have any communication with him or receive any economic support. My mother´s name is Jenifer Noemi Simaj Garcia. She is a housewife, and she weaves typical items and raises chickens to cover the home expenses. As a family, we attend the Full Gospel Church. We have many needs, but the main ones are food and clothes. We live with my maternal grandmother in her house and with my maternal cousins too. The house has one room and a kitchen which is separated. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. There is electricity and running water. The payment of those services is shared with all the family. We also have some domestic animals such as chickens and turkeys. Thankfully, my whole family enjoys good health. Well, this is a short history about me. My mom gave all this to the LW team for you. Thank you for your attention and interest to know about me. I love you and send you my best wishes for your life.

Many blessings,

Jennifer Mishel Morente Simaj

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua