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.

What a blessing to be part of feeding program and share with you a little bit about me today. Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Marta Pu Mejia. I have three sisters. I live only with my mother because my parents separated one year ago. My parents´ names are Tomasa Mejia Gonzalez and Pedro Pu Solis. My father lives in another town with my oldest sister. He does not help us economically or have communication with us. On the other hand, my mother struggles to support us as a farmer or day laborer. Besides that, she raises chickens to sell.

We live with our maternal grandparents. We share the house 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. I would like you to include in your prayers our needs for food, corn and clothes. Thank you. We attend the Catholic Church.

I am a healthy girl. I was born in Joyabaj on April 8, 2020. I am currently in kindergarten at school. My hobby is playing tag. I like pigeons. My favorite color is black, and my favorite dish is egg cake with beans. I like attending the feeding program and my mother usually takes me. We walk and hour and a half to get there. Before saying goodbye to you, I would appreciate your prayers for us since we are a needy family, and sometimes it is hard for my mom to find a job since they are mostly for men. Thank you so much. I will be praying for you too.

Sending my love to you,

Marta Pu Mejía

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua