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! I am Andrea Rosemery Chingo Rodriguez. I feel happy to greet you today and for the first time. I hope you are well and happy with your family. Well, I will start by telling you about me. I was born on March 4, 2012. I am 12 years old. I am in the 4^th grade at school. In my free time, I like watching television. My favorite color is light blue. I like chickens, and I love eating fried chicken. I have 5 sisters, but only one is registered in the feeding program like me. We attend there alone and just take the bus. It takes us 10 minutes to arrive.

I come from a humble family. My father´s name is Juan Chingo Jimon. He sustains us by farming the land. My mother´s name is Juana Rodriguez Ixcotoy. She does the hard housework and takes care of us. She helps my father with some money by raising chickens for selling. My family attends the Catholic Church. We have many necessities, but the main one is firewood to cook. Thankfully, we live in our own house. my father is the owner. It has three rooms including a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, tile roof and granite floor. There is running water and electricity that my father pays monthly and annually. Thank God, all the family is in good health including me. Lastly, I want to mention that my oldest sister Cecilia helped me to give all this information to the LW team for you. Thank you for your kindness to read about me. I look forward to writing you again and updating you about my life here in Guatemala. I send you many blessings.

Kisses and hugs,

Andrea Rosmery Chingo Rodriguez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua