My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major corps. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Special regards from Quiche, Guatemala! I am glad to know that you are reading this letter to learn a little about me. I hope you find this engaging. My name is Cristian Adrian Pedro Juarez Luis. I was born on October 19, 2021. I still do not attend school because of my young age. Fortunately, I am a healthy 4-year-old boy. Some of my interests are playing ball, my favorite color is red, I like dogs and cats, and what I love eating the most is fried chicken. I am an only child in my family. Sadly, my biological father is not part of my life. I only have my mother’s last name because he did not want to recognize me legally. My mother’s name is Selena Elendia Juarez Luis. She is a single parent and currently works in a tortilleria business in the city to supply my needs. Most of them are food, clothes, and shoes.

While she works in the city, I stay home under the care of my grandmother, Isabela Luis De La Cruz. I am glad because she and my grandfather are doing well. We are members of a Christian Church called Light and Life. We live in a three-room house with a kitchen, which is made of adobe walls, tile roof and concrete floor. This belongs to my grandfather. We have electricity and get water from a natural spring by using a hose. We raise some chickens and pigs for our consumption. We also have a dog at home. The feeding program is about 45 minutes from where I live. I am glad because I can enjoy delicious meals and meet new friends there. This is all for now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Affectinately,

Cristian Adrian Pedro Juarez Luis

Translated by: Hillary Popol, A-A-C Secretary/Antigua