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.

Hello! my full name is Edwin Transito Alexander Garcia Chivalan and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on August 5, 2018. I am eight years old and I am a healthy boy. I am in 1^st grade this year. I like to play soccer and I love dogs. My favorite color is white and I enjoy eating fried chicken. My family and I belong to the Christian Life Church. My mother is the only one that sustains me financially because she is a single mother. She works in a grocery store in our village, and she also is a housewife. She accompanies me to the Feeding Program and we walk for 7 minutes to come because I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I. We are people in need, and our current needs are groceries and clothing for me. We would like to have some chicks at home and have space for them.

By the grace of God, my mother and the rest of my family are doing well. My mother and I live in my maternal aunt`s house. Her name is Veronica, and she and her children live with us. We have one room and one separated kitchen. The room is made of adobe and tile roof with cemented floors. We get water from a nearby creek by connecting a hose. We have electricity, and my relatives share the monthly payments with my mother. This was my personal information and I hope you enjoy reading it. I send you many greetings!

Warm wishes,

Edwin Transito Alexander Garcia Chivalan

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua