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 am Nirvan Edgar Riz Luis, and it is a blessing to share with you a little about my life. I was born on November 21, 2018. I am a healthy boy and my favorite color is red. I like dogs and I have a lot of fun playing with my toy cars and soccer. My favorite food is pizza and fried chicken. I am in first grade. I tell you that Pasojoc I feeding program works at a school, which is a great blessing. I usually walk ten minutes to get to school. Now, let me tell you about my family. My father’s name is Rolando Riz De La Cruz. He works as a farmer to support our needs. Most of them are groceries. The three last months of the year are crucial for my family because it is the coffee harvesting time and that is a great opportunity to earn an income. So, we usually travel with my father to the coast.

My mother’s name is Sandra Luis Canil. She is a very busy housewife who does her best to contribute to the expenses. She raises chickens and pigs for occasional sales. We live in a three-room house with a separated kitchen, which belongs to my grandmother, Maria. Her house is made of adobe with tile roof and concrete floor. We have electricity and get water from a nearby river. We share the household expenses with my grandmother. She is an elderly woman, who raises domestic animals to survive. She occasionally receives financial support from her children. About our spiritual life, let me tell you that we attend the Prince of Peace Church. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Huge hugs,

Nirvan Edgar Riz Luis

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