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.

May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you! I am Yeni Yojana Maricela Garcia Simaj, and it is such a blessing to share a little about my life with you. I am 11 years old, and I hope you find my information engaging. I was born on September 7, 2014. I am in fifth grade and I have a lot of fun playing with my sisters in my free time. I have two sisters and three brothers. My favorite color is purple. I like domestic animals, although I prefer cows. What I love eating the most is fried chicken. I am so grateful to LW for allowing me to enjoy delicious meals at a local school that I attend here in my village, Pasojoc one. We usually walk for five minutes to get to the feeding program. About my spiritual life, I attend a Christian Church called Jesus Christ the Good Pastor alongside my family. Luckily, we are all doing well.

My father’s name is Emilio Garcia Garcia. He is a farmer and sells firewood. My mother also works hard by doing the chores and taking care of our family. Her name is Cristiana Simaj de la Cruz. She currently raises a pig at home to sell it later. I tell you that we live a in a little house, which belongs to my grandfather, on my father’s side. Some of my uncles and their families live there, too. In total, we are 25 people at home. Therefore, I kindly ask you to pray for us. The house where we live is made of adobe walls with a metal tin sheet roof and dirt floor. It has five rooms and a separated kitchen. Luckily, we have electricity and running water at home. Everybody contributes to pay for the expenses. I will leave you now, but I send you my best wishes.

Kind regards,

Yeni Yojana Maricela Garcia Simaj

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