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 this letter finds you doing well. My full name is Pedro Enrique Luis de la Cruz, and I want to share with you a little about my life. I was born on May 24, 2015. I am in fifth grade at school. I like the color red. My favorite pastime is playing soccer. I like tigers and my favorite food is fried chicken. I am so happy to be part of the feeding program. To get to the main feeding program, I usually walk for one hour from my house. Thankfully, I can also enjoy my meals at a school here in Pasojoc I, which is a great blessing because it is near my house. I usually walk for 20 minutes to get there.

About my health, I tell you that I have had a little mass inside my throat for a long time, and that makes me having trouble swallowing. My mother has taken me to see some doctors, including the ones who came to the medical campaign at the feeding program in 2025. They told us that we have to look for a specialist. Please pray for me to find the solution. I live with my mother, brothers, and grandparents on my father’s side. I tell you that my father traveled to the United States about two years ago. His name is Josue Luis Calachij. He makes a living by painting houses and strives to support our family monthly.

Fortunately, he is doing well and calls us on weekends. My mother’s name is Angelica De la Cruz Garcia. She keeps busy doing the housework and taking care of our family. She also raises chickens for our consumption. I have four brothers, but no sisters. I am glad because everybody is doing well. We attend an Evangelical Church Prince of Peace. We live at my grandparent’s house. It has two rooms and a separated kitchen; we use one room and share the kitchen. It is made of adobe with a tile roof and concrete floor. We have electricity and get water from a river. I will leave you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my information.

With love,

Pedro Enrique Luis de la Cruz

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