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.

My full name is Ivan Oliver Calachij De La Cruz, and it is a pleasure to greet you through this letter. I was born on May 17, 2021. I still do not attend school because of my young age. My favorite color is black. I have a lot of fun playing with my toy cars. I like dogs and I love eating chicken soup. About my family, I tell you that I live with my mother and grandparents. I am an only child in my family. We attend the Catholic Church. My mother’s name is Marta Julia De La Cruz Poncio. She is a single parent and works hard in a tortilleria business at the market of our village. Unfortunately, I do not have my father with me because he separated from my mother some years ago.

My father’s name is Rene Calachij Ildefonzo. He lives in the United States and already has another family. I do not know what he does for a living, but I receive a little money from him monthly. Fortunately, my whole family is healthy. I tell you that I was born with malformations in my left hand and foot, but those do not stop me from enjoying life and being a happy child. I tell you that my grandparents are the owners of the house where we live. It has three rooms with a separated kitchen. It is made of concrete block with tile roof and concrete floor. We have electricity and running water.

Besides providing us shelter, my grandparents cover some of our needs, too. Most of them are clothes, shoes, and food. My grandfather makes a living in a hardware store, and my grandmother sells fresh pieces of fruits. She also raises chickens for our consumption. It is almost time to say goodbye, but I want you to know that I am so happy to be part of the feeding program in Pasojoc I. To get there, my mother and I usually walk for ten minutes. See you soon!

Kind regards,

Ivan Oliver Calachij De La Cruz

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