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 crops. 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.

Blessings to you in the name of Jesus! My full name is Clary Rosmery Celestina Calachij Pu and it is my pleasure to send you my personal information. I was born on February 15, 2020 and I am six years old. I am in good health and I am studying in kindergarten. I like to play with dolls and I love pink. Pigs are the animals that I like most. I enjoy eating fried chicken. I have two sisters and we like to attend to this wonderful project because we eat delicious meals and we only need to walk three minutes to arrive there because it is located in the local school from Pasojoc I.  We feel blessed and grateful because we eat delicious meals there.

I live only under my mother`s care because my father is living and working in the United States. His name is Victor Calachij Tzoy and he traveled there one year and a half ago. He communicates with us every two days. He also sends us money every two months to sustains us. He works in a dairy and thankfully, he is in good health. My mother is suffering from gastritis and has visited the doctor. Her name is Vilma Josefina Pu de la Cruz and she does the chores at home. She also sells home-made snacks in our school. Moreover, she raises and sells hens to get some income because the money is not enough to cover every home expense. Our priority needs are groceries and clothing. Thankfully, we live in my paternal grandparent`s house and they also live there. My grandfather`s name is Victor. We have two rooms with one separated kitchen. The walls are made of cement blocks and tin sheet roof with cemented floor. We have running water and the service is paid yearly. We also have electricity and the bill is paid monthly. We are believers and we are members of Prince of Peace Christian Church. I hope you enjoyed reading my news. I send you all the best and I hope you have a nice day!

Kisses and hugs,

Clary Rosmery Celestina Calachij Pu

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua