My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian 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 Tunajá is extremely difficult.

Hello, it is a blessing to greet you from Guatemala. This is the first time I can talk about myself, so my mother helped me and provided this information to the LW team for you. My name is Miguel Angel Garcia Tecun. I turned 6 years old. I was born on September 3, 2018. Fortunately, my family and I are in good health. I am not studying since I am still young. I love the taste of nchicken with sauce. I like red and my favorite animal is the lion. I entertain myself by playing toy cars. I live with my parents and two sisters. My father is Miguel Angel Garcia Garcia and my mother is Estela Tecum Tzoy. My sisters are Corina and Sandra. We attend the feeding program together since we are now all registered. Our house is about 8 minutes aways from the program and we walk there with my mother.

My father earns a living by working as a farmer while my mother does the housework. She also helps economically by tending a small soda shop. We attend the Catholic Church. Our greatest need is corn. We live in a humble house that belongs to my paternal uncle. He lets us use his house, so my parents do not pay anything. My grandmother also lives there with us. The house has three rooms and a separate kitchen. It has adobe walls, tin sheet roof and cement floor. We have the main services as running water and electricity. My father pays them every year and every month. Our domestic animals are turkeys, chickens and pigs.  I appreciate your attention to this short story of mine. I love you so much and I thank you for your generous heart toward Guatemalan children. May God pour lots of blessings upon you!

In Jesus name,

Miguel Angel Garcia Tecum

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua