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 Jamilton Lisandro Luis Quino and I was born on April 25, 2020 in Zacualpa, Quiche. My father is Pedro Luis de la Cruz and my mother`s name is Romelia Quino Alvarez. My father works somedays as a farmer, but the rest of the days, he prays for many people in their houses and receives offerings. Unfortunately, he is suffering from gastritis.  My mother is a housewife and she dedicates her time to the family. She suffers from muscle pain. Unfortunately, my parents have not visited the doctor yet due to a lack of money. We are a needy family and our priorities are corn and groceries. We belong to the Charismatic Renewal Church that belongs to the Catholic Church. My mother accompanies us, and we walk for 1 hour to the Project because we take our lunch in the local school from Pasojoc I. I am 6 years old. I am in kindergarten this year. I am in good health. I like to ride a bike and I love the color green. My favorite meal is fried chicken. I love dogs. I have two brothers and seven sisters. I am happy to be registered in the Feeding Program along with my four sisters.

The house where we live belongs to my father. We have two rooms made of tin sheet walls, tile roof and a dirt floor with one separated kitchen. We also have running water and electricity services, and my father pays monthly for the electricity. We would like to have some chicks, although we already have hens, a dog and cows at home, but we have space for some chicks. Well, this is all for now, but I hope you like to read my information. May God bless you richly!

Sincerely yours,

Jamilton Lisandro Luis Quino

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua