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.

Good morning! My full name is Genderson Andy Eliseo Simaj de la Cruz and I was born in Joyabaj Quiche on August 16, 2022. My mother`s name is Maria de la Cruz Toj de Simaj. My father`s name is Salvador Simaj Riz and I live with them at home. My mother weaves typical blouses to sell and get some income to support the home expenses. My father is a farmer and he sustains the family. I have one brother and five sisters and two of them are part of the Feeding Center. My older sister accompanies me to the Project and we walk for ten minutes to come because I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I. I am not studying yet due to my young age, so I stay at home every day. My past time is to draw and I love cats. Beef broth is my favorite food and I like the color red.

As a family, we belong to the Spring of Life Christian Church. Our current need is corn. We live in my father`s house, and we have three rooms made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floors with one separated kitchen. We have running water because a neighbor shares it with us, and my father pays him once a year. We get electricity from my grandfather`s house and my father share the payments with him. We have hens and pigs, but we would like to have some chicks because we have space for them. By the grace of God, my parents and I are in good health. I hope you enjoy reading my news. I send you all my love!

A bunch of kisses,

Genderson Andy Eliseo Simaj de la Cruz

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua