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.

May the grace of the Lord be with you! I am so excited to share with you a little about my life. My full name is Sheyla Marilin Calachij Ruiz, and I hope you enjoy reading this letter. I was born on November 8, 2018. Fortunately, I am a healthy girl. I attend the first grade at school. In my free time, I do homework and then, I have fun playing with my dolls. I love having Pepian for my meals (it is a Guatemalan casserole made with tomato sauce, spices, vegetables, chicken or meat). My favorite color is pink and my favorite animals are cats.

I tell you that I am an only child in my family. I live with my mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My mother’s name is Lilian Micaela Ruiz Luis. She is a healthy and keeps busy doing the household chores. We survive thanks to my father’s efforts. He traveled to the United States about four years ago to find better job opportunities. His name is Hugo Calachij Toj. He is doing well and makes a living in the construction area. We are a humble family and most of our needs are clothes and food, especially corn.

The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. The walls and roof are made of concrete block and the floor is ceramic. It has three rooms and a separated kitchen. We have electricity and get water from a natural spring. We raise chickens and pigs for our consumption. As for pets, let me tell you that we have a dog and a cat. I am grateful for being part of the feeding program in Pasojoc. To get there, I usually walk 30 minutes from my house. About our spiritual life, let me tell you that we attend a Pentecostal Church called Prince of Peace. Until next time!

Kisses and hugs, 

Sheyla Marilin Calachij Ruiz

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