TU2877

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 Bayron Ernesto de la Cruz Gonzales.  I was born on January 4, 2013.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about 10 minutes to get to the feeding program.  I have two brothers who also attend the program.  My father’s name is Felix and he works as a farmer.  My mother’s name is Aurelia and she washes clothes for other people to earn money for our expenses.  The entire family travels to the coast to work in the coffee harvest at the end of the year.  We rent the house in which live and we pay Q200 ($27) per month.  We have water and electricity.  The house is made of cement block with a tin roof and a ceramic floor.  It has two rooms and a kitchen.  I am in kindergarten and when I am not in school, I spend my time playing soccer.  My favorite color is blue and my favorite animal is the horse.  The food that I like best is fried chicken.  My family attends a Catholic church.

With much love and many blessings,

Bayron Ernesto de la Cruz Gonzales

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary