My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major corps. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello, it is a pleasure for me to greet you by this means, and to share some news about my family and me. My name is Josefina Morente Ajqui, thankfully I am in good health, I am 5 years old since my birthday was on March 21^st. I am not attending school yet due to my age. I spend most of my time playing with my dolls at home. I love eating beef broth, my favorite color is blue, and I like hens. I enjoy attending the feeding program with my siblings that are also registered at the program; we live 15 minutes away from it, so we walk to be there. 

Sadly, my father abandoned us about 5 years ago when my mother was still pregnant with me, so he did not legally recognize me. Since that happened, we do not know anything about him nor does he help us economically. My mother works very hard by looking after us, doing the chores, and raising domestic animals to sell. The animals we have at home are sheep and hens. We need clothes for me and groceries; we pray to God for our needs, and we have the certainty that He will hear our prayers and provide for us. We attend the Catholic Church. We live in a two-room house, that is made of adobe walls, tile roof, and dirt floor. It belongs to one of my uncles; my other uncles and cousins live here too. We have running water, but it is paid only when it needs maintenance. We have electricity and we all contribute to pay for it monthly. It is time to say goodbye. Thank you for reading my letter, and I also want you to know that my mother provided this information to the Evangelism team for my enrollment. May God bless you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kisses and Hugs,

Josefina Morente Ajqui

Translated by: Luisa Reyes de Solis, A-A-C Secretary/Antigua