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 in the name of Jesus, hoping you are doing well. My name is Aracely Doris Chivalan Luis, and I am pleased to share with you a little about my life. I was born on May 1, 2018. Thankfully, I am a healthy girl. I am in second grade and my favorite hobby is playing with my toy dishes. I like the color purple. My favorite animals are dogs. I love having fried chicken for my meals. About my family, let me tell you that I am an only child and just have my mother with me. Unfortunately, my father abandoned us before I was born.

My mother’s name is Ana Chivalan Luis. She is healthy and dedicates herself to taking care of me. We praise the Lord because we count on close relatives, who kindly have provided us financial support and shelter at their house. They are my mother’s aunt and uncle. Mr. Pedro Toj is a farmer and day laborer. He also leads God’s Love Primitive Church, which we attend. As for his wife, I tell you that she is dedicated to raising chickens and sheep to contribute with the household expenses. Her name is Maria Luis. They have six children in total; two boys and four girls.

We live in a house made of adobe with tile roof and dirt floor. We only use one room and share an improvised kitchen made of metal tin sheets and wood. We have electricity and get water from a spring, which is on their property. I want you to know that it is a great blessing to be part of the feeding program in Pasojoc. It is only a two minute-walk from where I live. We are a humble family, so I would like to ask you to pray for us. Most of our needs are clothes, shoes, and food. Until next time!

Kisses and hugs,

Aracely Doris Chivalan Luis

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