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 crops. 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.

My full name is Camilo Adolfo Gutierrez Ruiz and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am 10 years old and I am in 3rd grade this year. I am a healthy boy and I love green color and hens. My pastime is to ride a bike.  I enjoy eating beef broth. I have 1 brother and 2 sisters. I am happy attending the Feeding Program along with my sisters. We walk fifteen minutes to arrive there. We are a needy family and our current needs are groceries.  We belong to Prince of Peace Christian Church. I live under my mother`s care because my father is living and working on the coast. He earns a living by cleaning coffee plantations and he is also a day laborer. His name is Macario Gutierrez Ajqui and he sends us money once a month. He always calls us. My mother Juana Ruiz Calachij is a housewife. She raises hens to sell and get some income. Unfortunately, she suffers from high blood pressure. She visited the doctor and she is taking medicine. My father and sisters are in good health.

We live in our parents’ house. We have two rooms and a separated kitchen made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and dirt floors. We get water from a nearby spring. We have electricity and my father pays monthly for the service. We also have hens at home. I hope you like to read my little story. May God bless you greatly!

Warm wishes,

Camilo Adolfo Gutierrez Ruiz

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua