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.

What a blessing to say hello for the very first time! My name is Wendy Maritza Chingo Rodriguez, and I hope this finds you well and healthy. It is a joy to share a little bit of me with you. I was born on May 31, 2014. I am 10 years old, and I am a second grader student. My health is good. My favorite color is yellow, and my favorite animal is the bear. I love eating roast beef. In my free time, I like playing soccer.

About my family, well my parents´ names are Juan Chingo Jimon and Juana Rodriguez Ixcotoy. I live happily with them and 5 sisters. My father supports us by working as a farmer while my mother takes care of us and the house. She also earns some extra money by raising and selling chickens. My sister Andrea and I attend the feeding program. It takes us 10 minutes by bus to arrive at the program. Thank God, my father owns the house where we live. We have running water and electricity. It is a three-room house with a separate kitchen. The whole construction is made of adobe, tile roof and granite floor. All the family is in good health. Our greatest necessity is firewood for cooking. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I send you my best wishes to your life and many hugs. Take care!

Best regards,

Wendy Maritza Chingo Rodriguez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua