My Story

Greetings and many blessings to you and your loved ones! I am Juan Elias Lux Simaj. I live in Guatemala in a small mountain village called Pasajoc. I am thirteen years old now. I will turn fourteen at the end of the year on December 16^th. I was in sixth grade this year at school. We are finishing the school year now, which is exciting because I passed all my classes. I love doing well in school. It is very important to me, and it is one of the best feelings when I am promoted to the next grade. I know God has been with me through all my studies and everything I do. He always protects me and guides me. I am also grateful for my best friend. His name is Alberto. We have been friends since we were little, and we love to play soccer together with my brothers. I want to tell you a little bit about my family now. My real dad’s name is Diego Lux and my mom’s name is Tomasa Simaj. We don’t live with them because my dad abandoned our family many years ago, and my mom moved to the United States to work three years ago. We don’t know anything about my dad anymore. We hope he is doing well, but we don’t know. My mom does keep communication with us. She is working in the States in a restaurant. She calls every other week or so, and she sends money back for us. However, she has a lot of debts because she borrowed a big loan to travel to the US, and now she has to pay it back. She sends us money each month, but it is not a lot, and it doesn’t cover all of our expenses. We are also praying for her because she was diagnosed with gastritis a couple years ago. She is getting medicine sent to her from here, but she hasn’t seen the doctor in a while. Since my mom is gone, my siblings and I stay with my grandparents, my mom’s parents. They are like my parents now.

My grandpa’s name is Pedro Garcia. He is a farmer and does labor for other people to make money. He is the main one who provides for us with what he earns. My grandmother’s name is Florencia Hernandez. She stays home and takes care of the children and the house. She also has cows and sheep that she takes care of. When they grow up, she sells them to make some money, which is very helpful. Thankfully, both of my grandparents are in good health. I am so grateful for them and all that they do for us. I especially love spending time with my grandpa. We work in the corn fields together and I learn a lot from him. My family does not go to church, but the Living Water teachers always encourage us to seek God and find a good church to go to. They are very nice, and we are grateful for the blessings we receive through the program. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my information today. It has been a pleasure to share this with you. I send much love to you and your loved ones. 

Many blessings,

Juan Elias Lux Simaj

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern