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.

I am glad to greet you. I feel blessed to be part of Living Water. I appreciate this opportunity to share about my life and family with you. Before starting, I want you to know that my mother gave all this information to the LW team. My name is Manuel Toj Morente. I will start by telling you about my family. My father´s name is Trancito Toj Hernandez. He sustains us by working as a farmer. My mother´s name is Marta Juli Morente Grave de Toj. She is a housewife but earns extra money by weaving typical clothes. They are all healthy. My family are members of the Prince of Peace Church. Talking about me, I was born on July 19, 2017. I am 7 years old. I am in the 1^st grade at school this year. My favorite color is blue, and I like pigeons. I love eating roast beef. I am healthy. All my siblings are enrolled in the feeding program also. We like attending there together and my mother takes us every time. We take a bus for 15 minutes to be there.

We live in my paternal grandmother´s house because my parents do not own one. We do not pay anything. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of block, tile roof and cement floor. There is an artisanal well where we get water. There is electricity and my parents pay for it every month. We do not have any domestic animals. This time, I would like to ask for your prayers for my family because my parents want to build our house. So, we are praying to God for provision to realize our dream. Before saying goodbye, I want to tell you that my mother gave all this information for you. Thank you for your attention and interest to read this. I love you and send you my best wishes for your life and family. Take care.

Lots of love,

Manuel Toj Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua