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.

Blessings to you! This is Adriana Yesica Vanecia Morente Garcia and I was born on October 5, 2017. I am 8 years old, and by the grace of God, I am a healthy girl. I stay at home because I am not enrolled at school yet. I like to play soccer and I love cats. My favorite meal is fried chicken and I prefer the color black. I have one sister and she also belongs to this beautiful project that is located in the local school from Pasojoc I. We walk one hour to arrive there and we are glad to get delicious meals prepared with much love.

Thankfully, my parents are doing fine and enjoying good health. My father`s name is Isidro Morente de la Cruz and my mother`s name is Gilda Estela Garcia Mendez. She is a housewife and mother. She also embroiders typical bags to sell and earn some money while my father works selling “Tacos” (Mexican food) in Joyabaj town to sustain us financially. Sometimes, the money that he earns is not enough to cover every expense, so our priority needs are groceries. We live in my parent`s house and it consists of two rooms and one separated kitchen. The rooms are made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and cemented rustic floor. We have water and electricity. My parents pay for the services. I feel blessed because we believe in God, and as a family, we belong to the Life Christian Church.  Thank you for taking the time to read my personal information. I send you all my best wishes,

Strong hugs,

Adriana Yesica Vanecia Morente Garcia

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua