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.

Special regards from Guatemala! My name is Axel Yeferson Luis de la Cruz, and I am glad to share my information with you. I was born on August 7, 2017. Fortunately, I am a healthy boy. I live with my mother, brothers, and grandparents on my father’s side. My mother’s name is Angelica de la Cruz Garcia. She is a housewife and takes care of my brothers and me. I have four brothers, but no sisters. We attend an Evangelical Church called Prince of Peace. I tell you that my father does not live with me because he traveled to the United States about two years ago. My father’s name is Josue Luis Calachij. Luckily, he is in touch with us and supplies our needs. He is doing well and makes a living by painting houses.

I am so happy because I am already part of the feeding program. To get there, 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. I want you to know that I am in second grade. I have a lot of fun playing hide-and-seek. My favorite color is blue and I like lions. I love having recados (Guatemalan sauces prepared with assorted spices) for my meals.

My family and I live at my grandparent’s house, which is made of adobe with a tile roof and concrete floor. It has two rooms and a separated kitchen; we use one room and share the kitchen. We have electricity and get water from a river. We are a humble family and most of our needs are groceries, especially corn and medical attention from a specialist for my older brother, Pedro. Unfortunately, he is having trouble swallowing because he has a little mass inside of his throat. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope you found this letter engaging.

Huge hugs,

Axel Yeferson Luis de la Cruz

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