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! How are you doing? I am grateful to the Lord and LW for allowing me to share my information with you. My full name is Enilson Danilo Grave Benito. I was born on June 3, 2019. Luckily, I am a healthy boy. I am 6 years old and attend the first grade at school. I am so happy because I am already part of the feeding program in Pasojoc one. I can enjoy my meals at school, which is a blessing. To get there, I usually walk for 20 minutes from my house. Some of my interests are playing soccer and I like the color white. My favorite food is fried chicken. I like domestic animals, but my favorites are chickens. I tell you that I live with my mother, siblings, and grandmother.

My mother is a single parent and strives to support our family. Her name is Juana Benito Gutierrez. She sometimes works as a day laborer. About my father, I tell you that he is not part of my life because he left to go to the United States. His name is Rodolfo Grave Gutierrez. Sadly, he abandoned us about five years ago. I tell you that my family and I live at my grandmother’s house. It has two rooms and a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof, and dirt floor. We get water from a nearby river and use solar electricity at home. My family and I are members of Liberty Church and pray that God helps us to move forward. We are a humble family and our greatest needs are groceries. It is time to say goodbye, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter. May God bless you!

In Jesus’ name

Enilson Danilo Grave Benito

Translated by: Hillary Popol, A-A-C Secretary/Antigua