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! I kindly greet you from Guatemala, hoping this letter finds you doing well. My full name is Celina Aureliana Amelia Garcia Simaj. I was born on June 28, 2016. I am a healthy 9-year-old girl, and I attend the fourth grade at school. I am so happy because there is a feeding program from LW here in my village, Pasojoc one, and I am already part of it. I usually walk for five minutes to get to school because the feeding program is also held there. I enjoy playing with dolls, and I like the color pink. My favorite animals are cows, and tacos are my favorite food. I live with my parents and siblings. I have three brothers and two sisters. My father’s name is Emilio Garcia Garcia. He works as a farmer and cuts firewood to supply our family needs.

My mother’s name is Cristina Simaj de la Cruz. She is a housewife and dedicates part of her time to raising a pig to sell it later in order to contribute to the expenses. I kindly ask you to pray for us. We live in a little house with our relatives on my father’s side. We are 25 people in total. Everybody contributes to pay for the expenses. The house belongs to my grandfather. It 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. We are members of a Christian Church called Jesus Christ the Good Pastor. This is all for now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my information. Have a blessed day!

Lots of love

Celina Aureliana Amelia Garcia Simaj

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