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.

Hello, my name is Maria Leticia Yulisa Garcia Castro. I would like to share a little about my family and me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Let me start with my family. Well, I have been living with my paternal aunt Teresa Chingo for the last 9 months. She is 51 years old. She is a housewife but also a prayer person who receives offerings. She contributes to support me after the death of my biological mother Isabel Castro Hernandez. She passed away 3 years ago. After that my father, Carlos Garcia Garcia, fell into depression. He does not support me because he hardly ever works. My aunt suffers from diabetes, but she is under treatment and goes frequently to her checkups.

I am 8 years old. I was born on June 4, 2018, in Zacualpa Quiche. I am in the first grade at school. My health is good. I like giraffes. My favorite color is purple. My favorite food is eggs with black beans. In my free time, I help my aunt with the chores at home. We faithfully attend Prince of Peace, Lamb of God Church. Our needs are food, clothes, shoes and corn. I walk 20 minutes along with my paternal cousin to the feeding program.

My aunt owns the house where I am living now. It has two rooms and one kitchen. It is made of tin sheet roof, adobe walls and cemented floor. We buy barrels of water for our consumption because we do not have running water. Besides that, we have electricity that my aunt pays monthly. We only have a cat as a domestic animal. Ok, it is time to say goodbye to you. I wish you the best. May the Lord God keep you well!

Kisses and hugs,

Maria Leticia Yulisa Garcia Castro

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua