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! How are you? I am Gilmer Yandel Mucia Gutierrez, and I hope you are fine. I am writing this letter to tell you about my life. I was born on January 12, 2015, so I am 9 years old. I am in good health, and I am in 2^nd grade this year. In my free time, I like playing soccer and doing my homework. I love the color red, and I enjoy eating fried chicken. The rabbit is my favorite animal. My parents’ names are Rolando Mucia Ruiz and Rafaela Gutierrez Mendez de Mucia; they are in good health. My dad left to go to the United States four year ago, and he is now working in a cow farm. We have communication with him by phone, and he sends us money every month. My mom works hard at home and takes care of us. I have three brothers, and three sisters, and two of them are registered at the feeding program too.

We live in a house that belongs to my mom. The house has three rooms and a separated kitchen, and it is made of adobe with a tile roof and dirt floor. We use a solar panel to have electricity at home, and we use a hose to bring the water from the river to our house. We have cows, hens, pigs, dogs and cats at home. My family and I are attending Prince of Peace Church. I would like to ask for your prayers for us since we are always in need of groceries. I am happy to be part of the feeding program, and I walk for one hour to arrive there. I end my letter wishing you the best.

Sincerely yours

Gilmer Yandel Mucia Gutierrez

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary/Antigua