My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors.  Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

What a blessing to share my personal information with someone special like you! I am Tirson Josue Us Hernandez. I turned 9 years old this year. I was born on July 31, 2017, in Zacualpa Quiche. I am healthy. I am repeating 1st grade at school. My favorite color is red. I like dogs. I do not have any favorite food because I enjoy eating everything. In my free time, I like playing soccer. I go to the feeding program with my sister. We usually take the bus, and it takes us 15 minutes to get there.

My parents are Virgilio Us Riz and Elizabeth Hernandez Morente. I have one brother and six sisters. My mother dedicates her time to looking after us and the house. On the other side, my father sustains our family by working as a day laborer. My father is in good health, but I would like you to please pray for my mother because she has diabetes. Thankfully, she is receiving medicine from the Public Health Center, but she has not seen any private doctor due to our low resources.

Our humble house belongs to my parents fortunately. It is a 2-room house with a separate kitchen made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. The is an artisanal well where we get our water. We have electricity that my parents pay monthly. Our domestic animals are pigs. Some of our needs are food and corn. At the moment, we do not attend any church, but I hope we can attend one soon. Well, this is all for now. I hope you are well in your country. I send many strong hugs for you. See you!

With love,

Tirson Josue Us Hernandez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua