TU2870

Tunajá is an 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.

Hello, my name is Yohana Gregoria Grave Chich.  I was born on March 9, 2013.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about 45 minutes to get to the program. I have two brothers and one sister.  My father’s name is Juan and he works on a chicken farm.  He also raises corn for our own consumption.  My mother’s name is Manuela and she is a housewife.  We own the house in which we live.  It is made of cement block with a tin roof and a smooth cement floor.  We have two rooms.  We cook outside in a small open area that is covered by a tin roof.  We have water but we do not have electricity.  We use candles for lighting.  We have some chickens and a dog.  I am in kindergarten and when I am not in school, I like to play with my dolls or to play soccer and toy cars with my cousins.  My favorite color is brown and my favorite animal is the dog.  The foods that I like best are papaya, watermelon, bananas and black beans.  My family attends a Catholic church.

With much love and many blessings,

Yohana Gregoria Grave Chich

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary