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.

Hello! How are you? I hope you are in good health together with your loved ones. My name is Irma Yolanda Chingo Cux, and I am a happy and healthy 8-year-old girl. I am in first grade this year. In my free time, I like to play with my sister. My favorite color is pink, my favorite animal is a parrot, and my favorite food is fried chicken.

Both of my biological parents live with me. My father works as a farmer to take care of our needs. My mother is a hardworking housewife. I have 3 siblings: 3 sisters. I am joyful to say that we are all healthy, and God has taken good care of us. Also, we attend a Christian church. I live in a village called Tunaja, and it takes me 15 minutes to walk to the feeding program. My humble house has walls made of block, the roof is made of tin sheet, and the floor is made of cement. There is one room and a separate kitchen. We have chickens at home, too. We have running water and electricity at home. My parents pay for the utilities monthly. My grandmother owns the house and allows us to stay with her rent free. Glory to God, all our basic needs are being met. Thank you for all your support. God bless 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.

Kisses and hugs,

Irma Yolanda Chingo Cux

Translated by: Kalyan Marroquin / AAC Missionary Intern