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.

Blessings to you from Pasojoc village. This is Almy Josefa Garcia Calachij and I was born on August 9, 2022 in Zacualpa, Quiche and I am four years old. I am not studying yet due to my young age. I stay at home and play with teddy bears. I love pink and my favorite animal is the goat.  I enjoy eating fried chicken. I am in good health. I live with my parents and we believe in God. We are members of the Prince of Peace Christian Church.  I have one brother and one sister, and my brother also is registered in the Feeding Program. My maternal aunt takes me to the Program, and we walk fifteen minutes to come. I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I.  

I live with my parents, and thankfully, they are doing well. My maternal grandmother and uncles live with us.  My mother`s name is Aura Calachij Toj, and my father`s name is Rudy Garcia Mendez. My mother dedicates her time to the family and does the chores at home. Moreover, she is a weaver. My father looks after the cows in Zacualpa town, and he sustains the family financially. The house where we live belongs to my maternal grandmother, and we have three rooms made of adobe and blocks walls and a separated kitchen. The walls are made of tin sheet and the floors are cemented. We get water from a nearby river by connecting a hose. We have electricity and my relatives share the bills with my father. We have hens, pigs, a cat and a dog at home. We would like to have some chicks because we have enough space for them in the house. We are a needy family and our current needs are groceries and corn. I hope you like to read my news. I send you many blessings!

Strong hugs,

Almy Josefa Garcia Calachij

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua