TU2897

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 Maria Leticia Lopez Garcia.  I was born on January 7, 2005.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about an hour to get to the program. I have six brothers and four sisters.  Some of my siblings also attend the feeding program.  My father’s name is Julio and he is a mechanic.  My mother’s name is Margarita and she is a housewife. She also raises domestic animals such as: hens and pigs.  My family grows corn for our own consumption.  We own the house in which we live.  It has two rooms and a separate kitchen.  The walls are adobe with a tin roof and a concrete floor.  We have water and electricity.  My family does not travel to the coast to work in the coffee harvest as many families do. I am no longer studying because I did not want to continue.  My favorite color is purple and my favorite animal is the squirrel.  The foods that I like the best are apples and grilled chicken.  In my free time, I like to talk with my mother and to watch television.  My family attends a Catholic church.

With much love and many blessings,

Maria Leticia Lopez Garcia

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary