My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors.  Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

Hello! I am Maynor Chingo Chingo, and I feel happy to write this for the first time. I hope you enjoy reading this. I was born on September 6, 2019, in Joyabaj Quiche. I am a 6-year-old boy that enjoys good health. My hobbies are playing soccer and with toy cars. I like dogs. My favorite food is chow mein and my favorite color is black. This year, I am attending kindergarten. I am blessed to be part of the feeding program. My house is 30 minutes away from the program, and I usually go along with my mother. 

Her name is Carolina Chingo Chingo. I only have her last name because I was not legally recognized by my biological father. My mother spends her time looking after us and the house. She established another relationship with Mr. Hilario Coj about 4 years ago. He is living with us and supports our family by working as day laborer. I have one brother and one sister. They are healthy currently. I would like to to ask for your prayers for my mother because she has problems with her vision. She has been having this since she was born. As a family, we attend the Catholic Church.

We live in a borrowed house that belongs to my maternal uncle. Thankfully, we do not pay anything for rent. The house has two rooms and one kitchen. It is made of tile roof, adobe and cemented floor. We have running water and do not pay anything. Besides that, we have electricity too, and my parents pay for it every month. Chickens are our domestic animals. Some of our needs are food, clothes and shoes.  Alright, thank you so much for your attention. May God bless you richly!

Yours truly,

Maynor Chingo Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua