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! My full name is Agusto Sut Portuguez, and I am excited because you are taking the time to read my information. I hope you find it engaging. I was born on October 27, 2021. I am 4 years old and I enjoy playing ball. My favorite color is blue. I like domestic animals, but I prefer sheep. What I love eating the most is fried chicken and rice. I am so happy because I can enjoy my meals from the feeding program at school. I attend preschool. I only walk for five minutes to get there. I tell you that I am the only child in my family.

Unfortunately, my biological father is not part of my life. Sadly, he abandoned my mother when she was pregnant with me. My mother’s name is Angelina Candelaria Sut Portuguez. She travels to the city and works in a tortilleria business and because of work, she only visits me twice a year. She is a single parent and strives to supply the essentials at home. Some of our greatest needs are groceries, especially corn. While my mother works far away from our village, my grandmother takes care of me.

My grandmother’s name is Santos Portuguez Simaj. She is a housewife and dedicates part of her time to raising and selling domestic animals to contribute to the expenses. We have a few chickens, sheep and cows at home. Fortunately, my whole family and I are doing well. We are members of a local church called Jesus Christ the Good Pastor. We live in our own two-room house with a kitchen. It is made of adobe walls with tile roof and dirt floor. We have electricity and running water at home. Some of my aunts also live there, so they contribute to the expenses. This is all for now, but I hope to hear from you next time. May God bless you!

Sincerely yours

Agusto Sut Portuguez

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