My Story

Pasojoc III, where your child lives, is located in an extremely remote area of the mountains in Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a 3-hour walk to the nearest market town. The people who inhabit the area are Quiche Indians who can trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak an Indian dialect called Quiche; however, Spanish is becoming more common. The climate is basically warm, but it can get very cold at night. Houses in this area are typically constructed of adobe with tin sheet or tile roofs and dirt floors. Pasojoc III is an area rich with natural resources. It is a farming area where the inhabitants grow staples such as corn, beans and other types of vegetables. Many families also raise domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens.

Hello! My name is Agustina Roselia Garcia Chijal. I was born on October 10, 2017, in Pasojoc III, Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 8 years old and I am a healthy girl. I attend the first grade. My pastime is to weave and sell the items. My favorite color is yellow and the animal I like the most is the turkey. I love to eat fried chicken. I have four brothers and two sisters. My father works as a farmer and a day laborer to provide for our home needs. His name is Genaro Garcia Grave. My mother works hard at home and weaves typical items to sell and help herself economically. Her name is Maria Chijal Itzep. We raise hens, pigs and a cow. I am so happy to say that my family is doing well.

We attend the New Covenant Prince of Peace Church. The house in which we live belongs to one paternal uncle and my paternal grandma is living there too. There are four adobe rooms with a tile roof, and a dirt floor. The kitchen is separate. We do not have running water, but luckily, there is a river nearby, and we use a hose to bring water. For electricity, we have a solar panel which is so useful to us. Our greatest needs are groceries. I am very happy to be registered in the Living Water feeding program; I get there by walking in one hour. I usually attend alongside my siblings. I have to say goodbye now, but I want to thank you so much for reading about me today. May God bless you wherever you are!

Lots of love,

Agustina Roselia Garcia Chijal

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala