TU2890

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 Cecilia Chingo Morente.  I was born on March 3, 2007.  I am a healthy child.  I have five brothers and three sisters.  Some of my siblings also attend the feeding program and we walk about 15 minutes to get to the program.  My father’s name is Ramiro and he works as a day laborer.  He also travels to the coast to work during the coffee harvest, but we do not go with him.  My mother’s name is Maria and she is a housewife.  She also weaves typical items.  We own the house in which we live.  It is made of adobe with a tile roof and a cement floor.  The house has three rooms and a separate kitchen.  We have water and electricity.  We have some hens, pigs, dogs and a cat.  We grow corn for our own consumption.  I am in 6^th grade. My favorite color is pink and my favorite animal is the cow.  The foods that I like best are watermelon and rice.  In my free time, I like to play dolls and toy dishes.  I also like to help my mother with her weaving.  My family attends a Catholic church. 

With much love and many blessings,

Cecilia Chingo Morente

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary