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.

Hello! It is nice to share my personal information with you. My name Alvaro Daniel de la Cruz Gutierrez. I was born on July 31, 2022, in Joyabaj Quiche. I am 4 years old, and due to that, I am not at school yet. I like playing with toy cars. I love eating fried chicken. My favorite animals are dinosaurs. I like yellow. My health is good thanks to God. I have 2 brothers and one sister. I sometimes attend the feeding program with my siblings or with my father. The bus drives us for 10 minutes to attend the program.

About my family, my mother´s name is Maria Gutierrez Riz de la Cruz. She is a housewife. She was diagnosed with Helicobacter Pylori six months ago. Unfortunately, she is not under treatment due to our low resources. Besides that, she has varicose veins in both legs and has no treatment for this either. I ask for your prayers for her and for provision to our family so that she can get what she needs. My father´s name is Luis de la Cruz Morente. He earns a living as a day laborer. Thank God, he is in good health.

We live in a humble 3-room house with a separate kitchen. It belongs to my father. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. We have a well where we get our water. The electricity service is paid for by my father every month. Our needs currently are groceries and corn. Our domestic animals are chickens. We attend the Catholic Church. Well, I say goodbye in Jesus’ name, hoping you and your family are well!

Cordially yours,

Alvaro Daniel de la Cruz Gutierrez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua