My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years, electricity and water have become available to most people in the area – however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labor. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Huge hugs to all of you! My full name is Yoselin Morente Panjoj, and I am excited to greet you. I was born on March 2, 2018. I am a healthy seven-year-old girl. I live with my mother, stepfather, and siblings. I have two brothers and one sister. Fortunately, everybody is doing well. Juana Isabel Panjoj Gutierrez is my mother. She is a busy housewife who takes care of our family, while my stepfather works. My stepfather's name is Pedro De La Cruz Coj. He makes a living by working in a hardware store in Zacualpa town. He has lived with my family and me for about one year and a half. About my biological father, let me tell you that he traveled to the United States about three years ago. Since then, he no longer communicates or helps us economically. His name is Francisco Morente Yat. Apparently, he has another family.

My family and I attend the Catholic Church which is near our house. We live in a small, but nice house. It is made of adobe with a metal roof and concrete floors. It has one room, a separate kitchen, but no electricity or running water. Fortunately, we can get water from a nearby well, which belongs to my maternal grandparents. They also share the electricity with us. My stepfather contributes to pay for the bill. I am so happy because I am already enrolled at the feeding program. My siblings and I usually walk for five minutes to get there. Before ending this letter, I want to share a little more about me. I attend school as a first grader. My favorite food is seafood broth. I love playing with my dolls in my free time. My favorite color is purple. I wonder what are your likes? I hope to hear your answer soon.

With love,

Yoselin Morente Panjoj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala