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 happy to greet you. My name is Jasmin Beatriz de la Cruz Jimon. I was born on October 7, 2019, in Joyabaj Quiche. I am currently 6 years old. I am a kindergarten student. I like playing with dolls. My favorite color is pink. I love eating fried chicken. I like puppies. My health is good thanks to God. I do not have any brothers or sisters. I live 5 minutes away from the feeding program. I always attend with my cousins.

Unfortunately, I was not legally recognized by my biological father because he did not want to take any responsibility for me. He ended the relationship with my mother when he found out that she was expecting me. On the other hand, my mother´s name is Maribel de la Cruz Jimon. She takes care of me. She works by tending a typical clothes shop in our community to cover our expenses. Fortunately, she is healthy.

Thankfully, we live in our own house alongside my maternal grandparents. The house has two rooms and one kitchen. It is made of adobe and block walls, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. There is running water. Besides that, there is electricity and my mother pays for it monthly. We have chickens like domestic animals. Our main needs as a family are corn and groceries. Sadly, we are not attending a church now, but I hope my mother makes the decision soon. Alright, this is a little of my life. Hope you find this interesting. Thank you for your attention. Until next time!

Lots of hugs and blessings,

Jasmin Beatriz de la Cruz Jimon

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua