My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two-hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! My name is Greysi Yadira Gutierrez Tzoy, and I am writing this letter to tell you about my life. I was born on October 23, 2019, so I am 4 years old. I am in good health, and I do not attend school yet due to my age. In my free time, I like playing with my toy dishes and dolls. I love the color pink, and I enjoy eating fried chicken. The rabbit is my favorite animal. My parents’ names are Byron Manuel Gutierrez Garcia and Blanca Estela Tzoy Garcia; they are in good health. My dad works in a grocery store in our town while my mom sells snacks and typical bags that she weaves. I have one brother and one sister, and one of them is registered at the program too.

We live in a house that belongs to my paternal grandparents, and we share it with my grandparents and their children. The house has three rooms and a separated kitchen, and it is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and dirt floor; we only use one of these rooms. We have electricity service, and we all collaborate to pay the bill. We bring the water with a hose from a stream to our house.  We have hens, sheep and pigs at home. My family and I are attending Christian Life Church. I would like to ask for your prayers for us since we are always in need of groceries and corn. I am happy to be part of the feeding program, and I walk for 20 minutes to arrive there. I end my letter wishing you the best.

Cordially yours

Greysi Yadira Gutierrez Tzoy

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary/Antigua