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 Gladys Mishel. I am 8 years old. My parents are Celso Gonzalez de Leon and Gladis Noemi Chingo Gomez. We live happily together. My father works as a farmer or day laborer while my mother stays at home taking care of us and doing the household chores. I have one brother and one sister. Currently, we are not attending any church. I hope that we will attend one soon.

I was born on November 17, 2015, in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am a healthy girl. I attend the first grade this year, and I am not repeating. I love eating fried chicken. My favorite color is red. I like cows and enjoy playing with dolls. I like attending the feeding program. One of my sisters is registered in the program too. We usually walk for 30 minutes to arrive there.

I live with my paternal grandmother and aunt. The house belongs to my grandmother and thankfully, we do not pay any rent. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. There are two rooms and a separate kitchen. We have running water and electricity that my grandmother pays for every time. There are turkeys, chickens and pigs at home. Our greatest necessity as a family is food. Thank you so much for reading this about my life. My sister Kimberly provided all this information to the LW team. I thank you for your generous heart to help Guatemalan children like me. I send you kisses and hugs.

Best regards from now on,

Gladys Mishel Gonzalez Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua