My Story

Pasojoc III, where your child lives, is located in an extremely remote area of the mountains in Quiche, Guatemala.  Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a 3-hour walk to the nearest market town.  The people who inhabit the area are Quiche Mayans who can trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche; however, Spanish is becoming more common.  The climate is basically warm, but it can get very cold at night.  Houses in this area are typically constructed of adobe with tin sheet or tile roofs and dirt floors.  Pasojoc III is an area rich with natural resources.  It is a farming area where the inhabitants grow staples such as corn, beans, and other types of vegetables.  Many families also raise domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cows, and chickens.

Hello, my name is Marta Eliza Calachij Quino. I was born on December 17, 2014, and I am 9 years old. I am a healthy girl. I am not enrolled at school yet because my mother thinks that I am still too young. My favorite color is pink. I love rabbits. My favorite food is rice and noodles. I am the only child of my parents. I walk for two hours to attend the Feeding Program along with my cousins. I like to play with dolls at home. As a family, we attend the Catholic Church. I am under the care of my mother. My father’s name is Encarnacion Luis Grave. He did not legally recognize me because when I was born, he was not still an adult person. I have only my mother`s last name. He left for the United States 1 year ago. Currently, he works on a farm there, and he sends us some money every month in order to contribute to the home expenses. My mother’s name is Elizabeth Calachij Quino, and she is a housewife and takes care of me. In addition, she raises hens and turkeys at home.  We live in our maternal grandparent`s house. It has three rooms and one separated kitchen. Our house is made of adobe, tin sheet roof, and dirt floors. We have running water and electricity. My grandfather Jose pays for the services every month. As a humble family, our needs are groceries. We have hens and turkeys at home, and we would like to have some chickens. This is my personal information, and I hope you find it interesting. I want to let you know that my aunt Maria Luis gave this information to the LW evangelism team.  God bless you and protect you everywhere you are!

Huge hugs,

Marta Eliza Calachij Quino

Translated by:  Gladys Chavez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua