My Story

Pasojoc III, where your child lives, is located in an extremely remote area of the mountains in Quiche, Guatemala.  Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a 3-hour walk to the nearest market town.  The people who inhabit the area are Quiche Mayans who can trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche, however, Spanish is becoming more common.  The climate is basically warm, but it can get very cold at night.  Houses in this area are typically constructed of adobe with tin sheet or tile roofs and dirt floors.  Pasojoc III is an area rich with natural resources.  It is a farming area where the inhabitants grow staples such as corn, beans and other types of vegetables.  Many families also raise domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens.

Good morning! My name is Celestina Zuleida Marisol Luis Chumil and I was born on December 17, 2017. I am 8 years old and I am in 2^nd grade this year. I am a healthy girl and I like to play soccer. I love cats and the color purple. My favorite meal is grilled meat. I have three sisters and one of them also is registered in the Feeding Program. We walk thirty minutes to come and my cousins accompany me. My father`s name is Jose Luis De Leon and my mother`s name is Cecilia Chumil Gomez. She is a housewife, and sometimes, she works as a typical day laborer. She also raises hens to sell when she has an economic need. My father is a farmer and a day laborer. Moreover, he travels to the coast to pick coffee beans for three months to earn extra money. At the moment, we are not attending any church. We are a needy family, so our current needs are groceries. 

We live in my paternal grandfather`s house, and it consists of adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We have a separated kitchen. We get water from a natural spring by connecting a hose. We also have electricity and my parents pay monthly for the service. We have hens at home, but my mother would like to have more chicks. We have enough space for them. I am thankful because my family and I are doing well. Thank you for your attention and I hope you enjoy reading my little story. Blessings to you!

Warm wishes,

Celestina Zuleida Marisol Luis Chumil

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua