My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian 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 Tunajá is extremely difficult.

I am glad to greet you today. I feel excited to introduce myself to you for the first time. I hope you are doing well and blessed. My name is Rosa Tomasa Saban Ruiz. I am 8 years old. I am a healthy girl. I was born on October 8, 2016. I am in the 1^st grade at school, and my favorite color is purple. I like rabbits, and I love eating fried chicken. In my free time, I enjoy playing with dolls. I am an only child. I like attending the feeding program. I go every time with some friends, and we walk for 5 minutes to be there.

My biological father´s name is Leonel Saban Us. Sadly, he abandoned our family two years ago. He is a farmer, but he does not have any communication with my family and me. My biological mother´s name is Micaela Ruiz Riz. She works and lives in Guatemala City. She has another partner, but we do not know anything about them. It seems that she also abandoned me because I lost communication with her. I am currently under the care of my uncle Manuel Coj and my aunt Rosario Ruiz Riz. She is a housewife and improves the income at home by weaving. My uncle earns a living by working as a day laborer. They are the ones who struggle to support me. Thankfully, they are both in good health.

I live in my uncle´s house. He shares the house with my maternal grandparents, uncles and cousins. The house has 4 rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and cement floor. We have the main services such as electricity and running water. All the family collaborates to pay those services every time. As for domestic animals, we have chickens and pigs. I have many necessities, but the main ones are clothes and food. All of my relatives attend the Prince of Peace Lamb of God Church. Well, this is part of my life. Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. Thank you also for your prayers and love towards me. I send you kisses and hugs.

Lots of love,

Rosa Tomasa Saban Ruiz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua