My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. Both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry) inhabit the village. The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two-room homes usually constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small and specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers, and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is extremely high, and the children are very needy.

Hello! It is a blessing to introduce myself. My full name is Juan Cristian Gabriel Riz Toj, and before continuing, let me tell you that my grandmother, Marcela Toj, helped to give all this information to a teacher of the LW evangelism team. I was born on March 29, 2011, Today, I am a healthy 13-year-old boy. I attend school as a fifth grader, and my favorite pastime is riding my bike. I love eating spaghetti and my favorite color is orange. Wild animals are awesome, and my favorite one is the alligator. Now, I will tell you a little about my family. I have one brother and one sister. My mother is Irma Esperanza Ruiz Toj. She is a healthy single parent. She traveled to the United States about two years ago. Today, she works in a restaurant washing the dishes. She phones us twice a week and helps us economically every month. As for my biological father, let me tell you that he abandoned my mother when she was pregnant with me.

My siblings and I are under the care of my grandmother. She dedicates herself to raising and selling domestic animals to help us with her income. Fortunately, my whole family is doing well. My grandmother owns the house where we live. Some of my uncles also live with us. They help us to pay the bills for the electricity and running water services. The house is made of adobe, a tin sheet roof, and a concrete floor. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. We raise chickens and cows at home to sell. I am glad to be part of LW-Adopt A Child because I can enjoy delicious food for free. After classes, I usually walk 10 minutes to get to the feeding program. As for our spirituality, let me tell you that we are members of the Catholic Church. I say goodbye to you now, but I appreciate you took the time to read my information. See you later!

Best wishes,

Juan Cristian Gabriel Riz Toj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary