My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors.  Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

What a blessing to say hello for the first time. I am Miriam Yulisa Chingo Gomez. I feel excited to share a little bit of my life. I am 5 years old. I am healthy. I was born on May 30, 2021, in Joyabaj Quiche. I am too young to attend school. At home, I like drawing. My favorite color is green. I like rabbits. I love eating fried chicken. I feel blessed to attend the feeding program. My mother usually takes me, and we walk for 20 minutes to get there.

My father is Celso Chingo Chingo. He is a farmer. My mother is Juana Gomez Lux. She is a housewife and helps with some money by cleaning the LW church in Zacualpa. Their health is good thanks to God. I have one brother and one sister. We attend the Catholic Church as a family. We have needs as a family, but we have been praying for God to provide resources to my parents so that they can cement our patio.

Fortunately, my father owns a house. It has three rooms and one kitchen made of block, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. We have running water and electricity that my paternal grandmother shares with us. My parents just pay for the electricity monthly. Our domestic animals are chickens. Well, I hope you find this interesting. I love you and send you my best wishes.

Truly yours,

Miriam Yulisa Chingo Gomez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua