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! It is such a pleasure to greet you. My full name is Ivan Grave Mucia, and I am so happy because I will be telling you a little about my life through this letter. Fortunately, I am in good health. I was born on July 31, 2016. I am 9 years old and I like the color red. My favorite pastime is playing with toy cars. I like domestic animals, but I prefer cows. What I love eating the most is rice with my meals. I am in second grade, and I am so happy because I can enjoy my meals from the feeding program at school. To get there, I usually walk for fifteen minutes.

I tell you that my family is doing well. My father’s name is Ismael Elias Grave Garcia. Unfortunately, he is not part of my life because he abandoned my mother and me many years ago. My mother’s name is Elsa Yolanda Mucia Portuguez. She is a housewife and works hard by embroidering typical clothes and raising domestic animals at home to contribute to the household expenses. We have a few chickens and cows at home.

My mother established a new relationship about eight years ago. My stepfather’s name is Angel Chivalan Us. He strives at work to supply the essentials at home, such as groceries which are what we need the most. I have only one sister, and I am the oldest child in my family. We are members of a local church called The Source. We live with my maternal grandparents and the house where we live belongs to them. My mother and stepfather contribute to the cover the electricity and running water services. The walls and roof of the house are made of concrete block, while the floor is ceramic. We only use one room and share the kitchen with them. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope you enjoyed reading this information.

Bunch of love

Ivan Grave Mucia

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