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! I want to introduce myself to you and send you my personal information. My full name is Candelaria Kimberly Calachij Pu and I was born on June 21, 2018. I am 7 years old and I am studying the 2^nd grade at school. I enjoy playing with dolls in my spare time and I like hens. My favorite meal is chicken soup. I am in good health, but my mother is suffering from gastritis. Fortunately, she has visited the doctor. Her name is Vilma Josefina Pu de la Cruz and she is a household mom. She also raises hens and sells home-made snacks in our school to earn some money while my father lives and works in the United States. He traveled there one year and a half ago, and he earns a living by working in a dairy. His name is Victor Calachij Tzoy and he is in good health. He calls us every two days and sends us money every two months. We are a humble family and our priority needs are groceries and clothing. We attend the Prince of Peace Christian Church. I have two sisters and they also attend this ministry. We only walk for three minutes to come to the project which is located in the local school from Pasojoc I, and we feel blessed and grateful because we receive delicious meals in that place.

My family and I live in my paternal grandparent`s house and they also live there. My grandfather`s name is Victor. We have two rooms with one separated kitchen. The walls are made of cement blocks and tin sheet roof with cemented floor. We have running water and the service is paid yearly. We also have electricity and the bill is paid monthly. Thank you for letting me tell you a little bit about my life and also for your attention. I send you many blessings and have a nice day!

Huge hugs,

Candelaria Kimberly Calachij Pu 

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua