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.

My full name is Melisa Sorayda Marcela Grave Garcia, and I fondly greet you through this letter. By the grace of the Lord, I am a healthy 8-year-old girl. I was born on December 2, 2017. My favorite pastime is playing freeze tag. I like the color purple and I love dogs. I like eating chicken, especially if it is fried. I am grateful to LW because it blesses me with delicious food, which I can enjoy at school here in my village, Pasojoc one. I usually walk for twenty minutes to get there. I tell you that I live with my parents, sisters, and grandparents on my father’s side. Fortunately, everybody is doing well. I have two sisters, but no brothers. My parents are the ones who supply the essentials for our family. Most of our needs are clothes and food.

My father’s name is Ismael Elias Grave Garcia. He makes a living as a day laborer and farmer. He is also a good musician; he plays the bass. My mother’s name is Ana Gricelda Garcia Chivalan. She is a busy housewife, weaves typical clothes, and raises domestic animals to earn a little income and help my father with the expenses. We have a few chickens, sheep, and a cow at home. We live in a two-room house with a kitchen, which belongs to my grandparents. It is made of adobe walls with tile roof and concrete floor. We have electricity and get water from a natural stream; that is about fifteen minutes from our house. This is all for now, but I hope to hear from you soon. Have a wonderful day!

Kisses and hugs

Melisa Sorayda Marcela Grave Garcia

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