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.

Many greetings from Quiche, Guatemala! My name is Leonardo David Tzoy Garcia, and I am grateful to LW for allowing me to tell you a little about my life. I was born on September 11, 2013. Fortunately, I am a healthy boy, and I live in Pasojoc I village. I attend the sixth grade at school. My favorite pastime is playing soccer. I like the color red and my favorite animals are cats. About food, I love having recados (Guatemalan sauces prepared with assorted spices) for my meals.

Now, I want to share with you a little about my family. I live with my parents and siblings. I have two brothers and one sister. Fortunately, everybody is doing well. We are members of a Christian Church called Prince of Peace. My father’s name is Luciano Tzoy Portuguez. Please pray for him. He does his best to supply our family needs, but as a farmer, it has been difficult for him to find a stable job. He sometimes works as a mason’s helper. Most of our needs are groceries, especially corn.

My mother’s name is Rosa Garcia Toj. She dedicates herself to doing the household chores and taking care of my siblings and me. We live in our own three-room house with a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe with tile roof and concrete floor. It has electricity and running water. We have a dog and a cat as pets. We also raise chickens for our consumption. I am so happy because the feeding program is located at a nearby school here in Pasojoc I, which has been a blessing for my siblings and me. It is only about 20 minutes away from where we live. I will leave you now, but I send you my best wishes.

Sincerely yours,

Leonardo David Tzoy Garcia

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