My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayani 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. Life in Tunaja is difficult.

Hello! My name is Edgar Manuel and I am 11 years old. I come from a humble five-member family, my parents, two brothers and me. Sadly, my father Domingo Morente Calachij passed away 5 years ago. Since that time, my mother Micaela Ajqui Portuguez became our only supporter. She is currently working in Escuintla, which is another department far away from Tunaja. She works in a tortilla shop. She sends money for our support and keeps in communication with us.

She left us under the care of my grandmother. She is 62 years old and her name is Francisca Portuguez Morente. She only dedicates her time to taking care of us and doing the hard work at home. We live together in our own house. It has two rooms including the kitchen. It has wood and adobe walls, dirt floor and tin sheet roof. There is running water that my grandmother pays for. Moreover, we share the electricity service and monthly payment with a neighbor. Our greatest need is food, but mainly corn.

I am a healthy boy. I attend the 4^th grade at school this year. Thankfully, I am not repeating. I was born in Zacualpa in October 11, 2015. My favorite animal is the cat and I like the color red. I like eating rice and fried chicken. I enjoy playing football in my free time. We attend the Pentecost Power and Faith Church. I feel blessed to be part of the feeding program. I usually walk for 20 minutes to be there. Before I finish, I want to mention that my grandmother provided all this information to the LW team. It will be a pleasure that they share this to you. Thank you for loving me from the distance and God bless you for helping Guatemalan children like me. I send you my best wishes and all my love.

Best regards from now on,

Edgar Manuel Morente Ajqui

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua