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! I am Maycol Morelos and I am 10 years old. I just live with my mother and siblings in our own house. It belongs to my father and has five rooms including the kitchen. My house has block walls, cemented roof and ceramic floor. There is running water and electricity and my father covers those expenses. As for domestic animals, we have chickens. Our current necessity is food.

I was born in October 3, 2013 in Joyabaj, Quiche. My health is good. I attend third grade at school and I am not repeating. I like the color red and my favorite animal is the dog. I love eating fried chicken. In my free time, I like playing football. I have two brothers and two sisters. My sister Neyda is register in the feeding program. We go together to the program. We usually walk for 10 minutes to the road and then take a bus for 20 minutes to be in the program.

My father´s name is Antonio Mendez Ruiz and my mother´s name is Andrea Morente Grave. My father traveled one year ago to The United States. We do not know where he works there. However, he calls us every day and sends us money every 15 days. On the other side, my mother stays at home, takes care of us, and does the housework. As a family, we attend the Prince of Peace Pentecost Church. Lastly, I want you to know that my sister Neyda gave all this information to the LW teacher to share with you. I bless you in the name of Jesus! I send you hugs from Guatemala.

Best regards from now on,

Maycol Morelos Mendez Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua