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.

It is my pleasure to greet you with much love. I am doing fine thanks to God. I want to take this opportunity to share with you a little of my family and me. My name is Imelda Roxana Mendez de la Cruz. My father is Santos Mendez Luis. He supports our family by driving a Tuc-Tuc. My mother is Hortencia de la Cruz Jimon. She looks after us and the house. She helps with the income by raising chickens and pigs. Besides that, she is a weaver. Thankfully, both of them are healthy.

I am 11 years old. I was born on February 19, 2015, in Joyabaj Quiche. I attend the 5th grade at school. I love eating roasted meat. I like dogs. My hobby is playing soccer. I am a healthy boy. I have two brothers and no sisters. My father usually takes us to the program by bus. As a family our greatest need is food. My house is a 10-minute bus ride away from the program. Currently, we do not attend any church.

About our house, well, my parents own the one where we live. It has 4 rooms and one kitchen. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and ceramic floor. There is an artisanal well and electricity service. My parents pay for the electricity every month. Chickens, cows and pigs are our domestic animals. Alright, I hope you are well alongside your family. Before, I have to say goodbye, I send warm hugs to everybody and especially to you.

Kisses and hugs,

Imelda Roxana Mendez de la Cruz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua