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 fondly greet you, hoping you are doing well. My name is Lusvin Baynerman Ruiz Calachij, and it is a pleasure to tell you a little about my life through this letter. I was born on June 24, 2021. Thankfully, I am a healthy boy. I am in preschool and my favorite animals are geese. I like the color yellow and my favorite food is fried chicken. About hobbies, let me tell you that I enjoy playing with my toy cars and soccer. I am grateful to be part of the feeding program in Pasojoc. The feeding program is about 20 minutes away from my house.

Now, let me tell you a little about my family. I live with my parents and brothers. I have four brothers, but no sisters. Fortunately, everybody is doing well. My mother is Irma Calachij Toj. She is a very busy housewife. She dedicates part of her time to raising pigs to sell. She does her best to help my father with the household expenses. My father is Carlos Ruiz Poncio. He is a day laborer and currently works in a farm by feeding and taking care of the cattle in Zacualpa town. We attend a nearby Christian Church called Prince of Peace.

We are a humble family and most of our needs are groceries. We live in our own two-room house with a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe, metal tin sheets, and a dirt floor. There is no running water at home. However, we get water from a natural stream, which is about ten minutes from where we live. As for electricity, my grandparents share the service with us. My parents take turns with them to pay for it monthly. Goodbye for now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Many blessings,

Lusvin Baynerman Ruiz Calachij

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