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.

Hello! I feel blessed to have this opportunity to share a little about my life with you. Thank you for being interested in me. My name is Heidy Dayana Morente Ruiz. I was born in Quiche on May 16, 2021. I am a healthy girl. My favorite color is pink and I like cats. I love eating sausages and eggs. My hobbies are playing with dolls and toy dishes. This is my first year at school, so I am in preschool.

My father is Isaias Morente de la Cruz, and my mother is Juana Ruiz Ajqui. I live happily with them and my brother Esvin. My father earns a living as a day laborer to sustain us. My mother stays at home to do the housework and takes care of us. She raises chickens for our consumption. My brother and I like attending the feeding program. We walk for 10 minutes to arrive. My mother always takes me to the program. Thankfully, my family attends the Prince of Peace Church.

We live in a borrowed house that belongs to my maternal uncle. The house has two rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and cemented floors. We have running water and electricity. My parents pay for those services every month. As for domestic animals we have chickens. Lastly, I would appreciate it if you could pray for my mother because she suffers from high blood pressure. Thankfully, she is under treatment right now. Well, this is time to say goodbye to you. May God bless you and protect you all the time! Sending kisses and hugs with much love.

Truly yours,

Heidy Dayana Morente Ruiz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua