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.

Hello! this is Mariano Yobani Chivalan Calachij and it is my privilege to introduce myself to you. I am a healthy six-year-old boy. I was born in November 29, 2019 and I am in kindergarten grade. I enjoy playing soccer in my spare time and I love blue.  I like to eat sausages. My favorite animal is the dog. My family and I are members of Prince of Peace Christian Church. I live under my mother`s care because unfortunately my father passed away four years ago due to a car accident. His name was Antolin Chivalan de la Cruz. My mother`s name is Maria Calachij Tzoy and she is a household mom. She takes care of us and raises hens at home. Fortunately, my older sister is working as a maid in Zacualpa in order to support the family financially. We are humble people and we are in need of corn, groceries and clothing.  I have one brother more, and my sister, but we are children from different dads. My mother accompanies me to this project located in the local school from Pasojoc I and we only walk 5 minutes to arrive. I have the privilege to receive delicious meals there and I feel so blessed.

My family and I are doing fine and we live in my maternal grandfather`s house. My grandparents live with us and we have two rooms and one separated kitchen. The walls are made of adobe with tin sheet roof and cemented floor. We have electricity and running water. My mother and grandparents pay for the services. This was my little story and I hope you liked to read it. Thank you for your attention. I wish you all the best and I send you many greetings!

A bunch of kisses,

Mariano Yobani Chivalan Calachij

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua