My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, 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.

My full name is Dayami Zohemy Mendez Simaj and I was born in Joyabaj, Quiche on July 31, 2020. I am a healthy five-year-old girl and I am in Preschool. My pastime is playing with dolls and I also color some drawings. I love fried chicken and pink. Cats are my favorite animals. I live under my parent`s care. My father`s name is Cesar Mendez Tzoy and he sustains the family by working as a farmer and day laborer. He travels to the coast once a year for two months to pick coffee beans during the harvest season while my mother dedicates her time to the housework and takes care of the family. In addition, she raises hens and turkeys to sell and earn some money. I only have one sister and she is registered in this project. We walk one hour to the Feeding Center and we are so happy attending. My mother always accompanies us. Our current needs are groceries and clothing. By the grace of God, we are in good health and we are members of Prince of Peace Christian Church. 

We live in my paternal grandmother`s house and we share it with her and my aunt. We have two rooms made of adobe walls, tile roof and dirt floors. We get water from a nearby river and we use some jars to carry it. We also have electricity and my relatives share the payments with my father for the service once a month. Our domestic animals are hens, turkeys and one dog. We would like to have some chicks and we have enough space in the house. I hope you like to read my personal information. I send you all the best!

Kisses and hugs,

Dayami Zohemy Mendez Simaj

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua