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 Jenderson Netanias Ruiz Tizo and I was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala on November 12, 2019. I am six years old and I am in pre-kindergarten at school. I like to play with balls and I color drawings. I love dogs and blue. My favorite meal is black beans and boiled eggs. As a family, we attend the Prince of Peace Christian Church. I am happy because I am registered in the Feeding Center and I walk thirty minutes to arrive there together with my mother. My parents and whole family are doing fine and in good health.

I live under my mother`s care because my father lives and works in the United States. He sends us money every two months. His name is Miguel Angel Ruiz Benito and my mother`s name is Gladis Odilia Tezo Coyoy. She takes care of me and she does the housework. Moreover, she embroiders napkins to sell and earn some money. But sometimes it is not enough to cover every expense, so our current needs are groceries and clothing. We live in my paternal grandparents’ house and they live with us. Thankfully, they are in good health. We have two rooms and one separated kitchen. The walls are made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and rustic cemented floors. We also have hens and we would like to have some chicks because we have space in the house for them. It was a pleasure to tell you my little story. I send you many blessings!

Huge hugs,

Jenderson Netanias Ruiz Tizo

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua