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.

Hello! It is a nice pleasure to greet you. I send you many hugs from Guatemala. I am excited to tell you about my life and family. My mother helped me to give this information to the LW team for you. My name is Ashly Michell Rodriguez Chingo. I am 8 years old. I was born on January 30, 2016. I am a second-grade student. My favorite color is brown, and my favorite animal is the chick. I like to eat everything. I enjoy playing with dolls. I am a healthy girl. I have two brothers and two sisters. My family is healthy too. We are all Catholics.

My father is Rogelio Rodriguez Coj. He farms the land and improves the income by working as a day laborer too. My mother is Marcela Chingo Chingo. She is a housewife, but also raises chickens and pigs for selling. We live in my maternal grandparents´ house and do not pay any rent. The house has three rooms including a separate kitchen. It has a tile roof, adobe walls and cement floor. There are running water and electricity services. My parents pay those once a year. Our main necessities as a family are corn and food. My siblings and I walk for forty minutes to attend the feeding program. Well, this is all for now. Thank you so much for your attention and most of all for loving me from the distance. I also love you and send you my best wishes for your family and you.

With lots of love,

Ashly Michell Rodriguez Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua