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.

Hello, I am glad to introduce myself to you. I hope you are well in your country. My name is Raquel Toj Us. I am 5 years old. I was born on March 19, 2019. I do not attend school yet. I enjoy playing with my dolls at home. I am a healthy girl, and my favorite color is green. I like turkeys and my favorite dish is rice and beans. I have two brothers and one sister. We all walk for 20 minutes and then take the bus for 10 more to be in the feeding program.

My mother owns the house where we live. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cement floor. There is one room and a separate kitchen. There is no running water, but my aunt shares water with us because she has an artisanal well. We carry the water with gallons for our consumption and to wash the dishes. When we wash our clothes, we must go to the river. My parents only pay for the electricity. Our domestic animals are turkeys and chickens. My father´s name is Felipe Toj Chingo. He works as a day laborer and takes out sand from the river. My mother is Rutilia Us Hernandez. She is a housewife, but she is also a day laborer and washes clothes for others to contribute with the income. Thankfully, their health is good. We attend the Renewal of Christ Church. As a family, our greatest necessities are food and clothes. Lastly, I want you to know that my mother gave this information to the LW team for you. Well, I send many greetings to you from Guatemala. I hope you can come someday and meet my country and me. May God bless you for your good heart!

Best wishes,

Raquel Toj Us

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua