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.

Good morning! This is Juana Elvia Mendez Franco and I was born on February 10, 2015. I am a healthy girl and I am 11 years old. My favorite color is purple and I love lions. I like to eat chicken. I play with dolls in my spare time because I am studying in 4^th grade at school. I am thankful because both of my parents are enjoying good health. Their names are Bernabe Mendez and Rosario Franco Calachij. My mother stays at home and does the household chores. Moreover, she raises cows to sell when she needs some money. She also has turkeys at home. My father lives and works in the United States. He has been there for eight years. He washes dishes in a restaurant there, and he supports us financially. I have four brothers and we are blessed because we are believers and belong to the Full Gospel Christian Church. I feel so happy because I am receiving delicious meals in the project from this ministry which is located in the local school from Pasojoc I. I walk thirty minutes to come. Thankfully, I live under my mother`s care in our own house and it consists of three adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and granite floor. We also have a separated kitchen. We have running water and electricity. My mother pays for the services monthly. I am happy because I could tell you my little story.

Warm regards,

Juana Elvia Mendez Franco

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua