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 crops. 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.

Good morning! My name is Jose Marvin Ajqui Toj and I am blessed because I have the opportunity to tell you my little story. I was born on February 8, 2020 and I am 6 years old. I am a healthy boy and I love red. I like to eat chicken in tomato sauce. The pig is the animal that I prefer. I am not enrolled at school yet due to my young age, so I spend my days at home playing soccer. I have one brother and three sisters and we all attend this project which blesses us with delicious meals that are prepared with much love. It is located in the local school from Pasojoc I, so we walk for twenty minutes to come.

By the grace of God, my family and I are doing fine and in good health. Unfortunately, we are not attending any church. Thankfully, my father sustains us financially by working as a farmer and day laborer while my mother takes care of us and does the chores at home. Her name is Maria Toj Garcia and my father`s name is Jose Ajqui Tzoy. We live in our grandparent`s house and they also live there. We have two rooms and one separated kitchen. The rooms are made of adobe walls, tile roof and dirt floors. We have running water and electricity. My parents and grandparents pay for the services. We also have hens and sheep at home. We are a humble family and our priority needs are groceries and corn, but we believe that God will provide for us. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal information I hope you find it interesting.  I send you many blessings!

Lots of love,

Jose Marvin Ajqui Toj

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua