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 wonderful to greet you. I bless you in the name of God. Thank you for your interest in my family and me. My name is Kenia Abigail Ha Portuguez. I live with my parents, one brother and one sister. We live in my maternal uncle´s house. Fortunately, we do not pay any rent. It is a humble house made of adobe, tin sheet and tile roof and dirt floor. It has three rooms, but we only use one room and one separate kitchen. The other room is used as a cellar. My parents pay the electricity service monthly, while the running water service is paid annually. We do not have domestic animals. About my family, my father´s name is Favio Ha Herrera. He is a deaf mute. He earns a living by farming the land or working as a day laborer. My mother´s name is Eva Estela Portuguez Cux. She does the hard work at home and takes care of us. Besides that, she works as a day laborer to help my father with the expenses. We attend the Prince of Peace Church. Food is our greatest need as a family. Thank God, my whole family is healthy.

Talking about me, I was born on May 6, 2019. I am 5 years old, and I am still at home since I am too young to attend school. I am a healthy girl. I like birds, and my favorite color is red. I love eating sausages, rice and beans. My hobby is playing with toy dishes. I am happy every time I go to the feeding program. My mother always takes me there and we walk for around 10 minutes to attend the program. Thank you so much for your attention to this. My mother gave all this information for you. I send you my love and prayers. I look forward to keeping in touch with you.

Many blessings,

Kenia Abigail Ha Portuguez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua