My Story

Tunaja is a very primitive area of the state of Quiche, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiche Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiche. 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 Tunaja is extremely difficult.

Many greetings! It is a pleasure to greet you hoping that you are doing well. My name is Jose Alfredo de la Cruz de la Cruz, and I am a happy and healthy 3-year-old boy. I am not in school yet because of my young age. In my free time, I like to play soccer and tag. My favorite color is green, my favorite animal is a chick, and my favorite food is fried chicken.

Both of my biological parents live with me. My father works with a non-profit organization in Quiche to take care of our needs. My mother is a hardworking housewife, weaves typical Guatemalan clothing, and sells domestic animals to help support us economically. I have six siblings: 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I am joyful to say that we are all healthy, and God has taken good care of us. Also, we attend a Catholic church. I live in a village called Tunaja, and it takes me 5 minutes on a bus to arrive to the feeding program. My humble house has walls made of adobe, the roof is made of tin sheet, and the floor is made of cement. There are two rooms and a separate kitchen. We share this space with an uncle. We have pigs, cows, and hens at home, too. We have running water, plumbing, and electricity at home. My parents pay for the utilities. My family owns the house. Our greatest needs are groceries and clothes. I say goodbye to you for now hoping God takes care of you and pours out many blessings upon you!

The Living Waters Evangelism Team is speaking to families in Quiche by phone call. They spoke to my mother to receive information pertaining to me.

With lots of love,

Jose Alfredo de la Cruz de la Cruz

Translated by: Kalyan Marroquin / AAC Missionary Intern