TU2873

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 Alejandra Sofia Portuguez Castro.  I was born on May 21, 2016.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about five minutes to get to the feeding program.  I have two brothers and three sisters.  Three of my siblings also attend the feeding program.  My father’s name is Joel, but he does not live with us because he lives with another woman. We do not have any communication with him, nor does he help with our expenses.  I live with my mother.  Her name is Jacinta and she is a housewife.  She also weaves traditional items to sell and provide for our family.  We own the house in which we live.  It has three rooms and a kitchen.  It is made of patched adobe with a tile roof and a cement floor.  We have electricity but not water.  My grandfather brings us water to use.  We have domestic animals such as hens, a pig and a dog.  My older brother is in the United States and he also help my mother with the expenses.  I am not in school yet, so I spend my time playing with my dolls.  My favorite color is pink and my favorite animal is the cat.  The foods that I like best are apples and fried chicken.  My family attends Liberty Church Tunaja. 

With much love and many blessings,

Alejandra Sofia Portuguez Castro

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary