My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayani 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 Tunaja is difficult.

Hello, my name is Yoselin Roxana and I am 4 years old. I was born on October 19^th, 2019, in the hospital of Joyabaj, Quiche. My health is good thanks to God. I like cows and my favorite color is purple. I enjoy eating fried chicken. I am not attending school since I am still young. I like attending the feeding program to have a delicious meal. I need to walk for around one hour and a half to be there, so my mother always goes with us due to the long distance.

I live with my parents and two sisters. My father´s name is Antolin Riz Ruiz and he works as a mason doing cemented roofs three or four times a week. My mother´s name is Ana Elizabeth Morente de la Cruz and she does the hard work at home. We attend the Church of God, teaching of Israel. About my home, let me tell you that we do not own a house. However, my paternal grandmother loans us one and she does not ask for any rent. It is a one-room house with a separate kitchen. It is made of adobe, tile roof and dirt floor. We do not share the house with any relatives. There is running water and electricity services. My parents pay the electricity monthly and the water annually. We have some chickens as domestic animals. Our greatest need is food. I feel excited that you can read my information and I thank my mom because she gave all this information to the LW teacher. Thank you so much for your love. I send you my best wishes and many blessings sincerely!

Best regards from now on,

Yoselin Roxana Riz Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua