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 corps. 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.

Hello! I fondly greet you, hoping this letter finds you doing well. My full name is Aroldo Osvaldo De La Cruz Benito, and I want to tell you a little about my family and me. I am a healthy 5-year-old boy. I was born on May 26, 2021. I am so happy because this is my first year at school. I attend preschool. Some of my interests are playing with my toy cars and my favorite color is blue. I like domestic animals, especially chickens and what I love eating the most is fried chicken. I want you to know that I am so happy to be part of the feeding program. I can enjoy my meals at school, which is a great blessing. I usually walk for 30 minutes from my house to get there. Now, let me tell you about my family. I live with my parents and siblings. Fortunately, everybody is doing well. I have three brothers and four sisters. We attend a Christian Church called Prince of Peace.

My father works hard in the field as a farmer. His name is Fernando De La Cruz De La Cruz. He also travels to the coast and works by picking coffee beans for one month to supply our family with groceries and clothes, which are our main needs. I tell you that my mother is a busy housewife. Her name is Maria Benito Chivalan, and she works hard at home by raising and selling chickens to contribute to the household expenses. We live in our own one-room house with a kitchen. It is made of adobe with tile roof and dirt floor. We have electricity, but no running water at home. However, one of our one neighbors shares that service with us and we contribute to pay for it annually. It is almost time to end this letter, but I want you to know that my mother helped me provide this information to a member of LW when she registered me at the feeding program. See you later!

Best wishes

Aroldo Osvaldo De La Cruz Benito

Translated by: Hillary Popol, A-A-C Secretary/Antigua