My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two-hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! How are you? My name is Brandon Estuardo Sut Portuguez, and I hope you are fine. I am writing this letter to tell you about my life. I was born on June 22, 2019, so I am 5 years old. I am in good health, and I am attending pre-kindergarten this year. I like playing soccer in my free time. I love the color blue, and I enjoy eating rice with chicken. The cow is my favorite animal. My parents’ names are Agustin Sut Ventura and Santos Portuguez Simaj de Sut; they are in good health. My dad left to go to the United States two years ago, and he is working on a farm; he communicates with us every day. My mother works hard at home and covers our needs with the money that my dad sends us.

I have three brothers and three sisters, and three of them are registered at the feeding program too. We live in a house that belongs to my mom. The house has two rooms and a separated kitchen, and it is made of adobe with a tile roof and concrete floor. We have running water and electricity services, and we pay these bills every month. We have hens, pigs and turkeys at home. My family and I are attending a Pentecostal Church called Spring. I would like to ask for your prayers for us since we are always in need of groceries and corn. I am happy to be part of the feeding program, and I walk for one hour to arrive there. I say goodbye to you for now hoping to have news from you soon. May God bless you!

Kisses and hugs

Brandon Estuardo Sut Portuguez

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary/Antigua