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.

My full name is Angel Agusto Garcia Calachij, and I fondly greet you from Pasojoc I. How are you doing? In this opportunity, I will be sharing with you a little about my life, and I hope you find this information engaging. I was born on August 24, 2015. I love playing soccer and toy cars. My favorite color is red. I like cats and my favorite food is chicken soup. I am in second grade again. Now, let me tell you about my family. I live with my parents, grandmother on my father’s side, and siblings. I have four brothers and three sisters. We do not attend any church at the moment. 

My father’s name is Camilo Garcia Portuguez. He makes a living as a day laborer and farmer. He is also part of the neighborhood board. My mother’s name is Felipa Calachij Mendez. She is a housewife and raises domestic animals at home for our consumption. We have chickens, pigs, and cows. My family and I live in our own three-room house with a separated kitchen. We have electricity and running water. We are a humble family and most of our needs are groceries. Fortunately, I can receive a delicious meal from LW at a nearby school. I usually walk for fifteen minutes from where I live. This is all for now, but I hope to hear from you soon. May God bless you!

Best wishes,

Angel Agusto Garcia Calachij

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