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.

It is a pleasure to say hello to you. My name is Brayan Alexander Portuguez Juarez. I am happy to introduce myself. Thank you for taking the time to read about my life and family. I am going to start by telling you about my family. Mynor Rolando Portuguez Cux is my father. He traveled to The United States 2 years ago. He works there in a recycle company. He keeps in touch with us and sends money for our support. Maria Magdalena Juarez Pérez is my mother. We are under her care. She does the hard housework but also grows radishes and onions for selling. I have just one sister and her name is Santa. My dad and sister are healthy, but I would like to ask for your prayers for my mother because she has cataracts in her left eye. She attended the doctor time ago and he left her some drops. Unfortunately, they have finished and due to our low resources, she was not able to buy them again. Sadly, we are not members of any church, but I hope we can start attending one soon.

About me, I was born on February 28, 2017. I am 7 years old. I am in 1^st grade at school. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite animal is the giraffe. I am a healthy boy. I love eating rice. I enjoy attending the feeding program. My mother takes me there and we usually walk for 20 minutes to arrive at the program. We do not own a house, so for that reason, we live with my paternal grandmother who owns a house. It is a three-room house made of adobe, tile roof and cement floor. It has a separated kitchen. There is electricity and running water. The water must be paid annually, and my grandmother does that. The electricity must be paid monthly, and my mother and grandmother share this expense. We have domestic animals such as chickens. Groceries are our greatest necessity as a family. Well, this is all for now. I have to say goodbye, but not before telling you that my mother gave all this information to the LW team. Take care! I send you kisses and hugs.

Many blessings,

Brayan Alexander Portuguez Juarez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua