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. How are you doing? My full name is Jerson Deivis Simaj Ajqui, and I am excited to share with you a little about my life. I was born on January 16, 2015. I am 11 years old, and fortunately, I am a healthy boy. My favorite color is green. I am a big fan of dinosaurs. I love having spaghetti for my meals. I am in third grade at school, and I want to use this opportunity to thank LW for allowing me to be part of the feeding program here in Pasojoc I. To get there, I usually walk for fifteen minutes from where I live. About my family, I can say that everybody is doing well. We attend a local Christian Church. My mother’s name is Roselia Ajqui Jimon. She keeps busy doing the chores and raising domestic animals for our consumption. We have sheep and chickens. We also have a dog and a cat at home as pets.

I do not have my father with me because he traveled to the United States about two years ago. Fortunately, he is always in touch with us. His name is Isaias Simaj Benito. He works in a farm and his work consists of taking care of the cattle and crops. We usually receive his financial support monthly. My family and I live in our own three-room house with a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe with a metal tin sheet roof and concrete floor. We have electricity and running water. It is almost time to say goodbye, but I kindly ask you to pray for us. We are a humble family and most of our needs are clothes and food. In advance, thank you so much for your prayers and kind attention!

With love,

Jerson Deivis Simaj Ajqui

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