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.

Hello! My full name is Edwin Saqueo Coj Gomez and I am 4 years old. I was born on February 16, 2022 and I am in good health. I like to play with toy cars and soccer at home because I am not enrolled at school yet due to my age. My favorite color is blue and I enjoy eating fried chicken. I love cats. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters and all of them are part of this ministry. We walk about fifteen minutes to come because it is located in the local school from Pasojoc I. We are blessed because we eat delicious meals cooked with much love. My father`s name is Pedro Coj Calachij and he earns a living as a farmer and day laborer. He also travels to the coast to pick coffee beans once a year. My siblings and I go with him in order to help him because we are a big and humble family and the money is not enough to cover every expense. Our priority needs are groceries, clothing and shoes. Unfortunately, my father is suffering from gastritis, but he visited the doctor and is under medical treatment. My mother`s name is Tomasa Gomez de Leon and she stays at home every time because she does not travel with us to the coast. By the grace of God, she is in good health. She dedicates her time to the housework chores and she takes care of us. As a family, we belong to Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd Christian Church.

I feel so blessed because we live in our paternal grandmother`s house and we do not need to pay a rent. She lives there and her name is Manuela Garcia. We have two rooms with a separated kitchen. The rooms are made of adobe walls, tile roof and dirt floor. We get water from a nearby natural spring. My parents pay for electricity service monthly. We have some hens and three sheep at home. Well, this is all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal information. Blessings to you!

A bunch of kisses,

Edwin Saqueo Coj Gomez

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua