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.

Sending warm greetings to you! I am glad to write a little about me for the first time. I am Sandra Pu Mejia. I was born in Joyabaj on February 26, 2017. I am repeating 2^nd grade at school this year. In my free time, I like playing tag and hide-and-seek. My favorite color is red. I like turkeys. I love eating chicken soup. My health is good.

My parents´ names are Tomasa Mejia Gonzalez and Pedro Pu Solis. Unfortunately, my father separated from my mother a year ago. We do not know anything about him because he lives in another town. He does not communicate with us or help us economically. My mother is our only supporter. She works as a day laborer or farmer. She also improves the income by raising and selling chickens. Thank God, she is in good health. However, I would like to ask your prayers for her because she has problems finding a job because there are jobs that require much strength or are specifically for men. I have three sisters, but the oldest lives with my father. My mother takes my sister and me to the feeding program. We usually walk around an hour and a half to arrive at the feeding program.

We do not own a house, so for that reason, we live with my maternal grandparents along with my uncles and cousins. The house has one room and a separate kitchen. It is made of tin sheet walls and roof and dirt floor. There is a nearby river where we get the water through a hose. Moreover, we use solar powered flashlights at night. Chickens are our only domestic animals. Some of our needs currently are food, corn and clothes, so please pray for this. We attend the Catholic Church. Well, this is all for now, I appreciate your interest in hearing from me. I bless you in the name of God. See you!

Best wishes,

Sandra Pu Mejia

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua