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, I am Francisco Mardoqueo Javier. I am 6 years old. I live with my parents, three brothers and three sisters. My father´s name is Francisco de la Cruz Grave. He works for an institution called “Barbara Ford” as a visitor. My mother´s name is Juana de la Cruz Tzoy. She stays at home taking care of us and doing the house chores. All of my siblings are register in the feeding program. We travel to the feeding program by bus and it takes us 5 minutes.

Thank God, my healthy is good. I was born in February 5, 2017 in Zacualpa Quche. I like playing football and my favorite animals are birds. I like the color green, and I love eating fried chicken. I attend kindergarten at school due to my young age. My family attends the Catholic Church. As a family, our greatest necessity is groceries, but mainly corn.

My father owns the house where we live. My paternal uncle stays at home with us but just on the weekends. The house has three rooms plus the kitchen. It is made of adobe, tile roof and cemented floor. My father pays for the running water and electricity services. We have cows, pigs and chickens at home. Before I say good-bye, I want to tell you that my oldest sister Mariam Angelica gave this information to the LW team. I appreciate that you took time to read it. May God bless you and your family wherever you are! Take care!

Best regards from now on,

Francisco Mardoqueo Jarvier de la Cruz de la Cruz

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua