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.

It is good to greet you on this beautiful day hoping you are well alongside your family and loved ones. My name is Yoselin Amelia Riz Perez and I am happy to share this information with you. I was born on December 16, 2018, in Zacualpa Quiche. I am 7 years old. I am in the 1st year of primary school. My hobby is playing with dolls. My health is good thanks to God. My favorite food is rice, and my favorite animal is the rabbit.

My parents are Alex Eduardo Riz Gonzalez and Encarnación Perez Leon. My mother looks after us and the house while my father works as a day laborer to sustain our family. Thank God, their health is good. I have only one sister. We attend the Sovereign King Church. It is a blessing for me to attend the feeding program. I usually walk for 40 minutes to attend along with my oldest sister.

Our humble house belongs to my father. It has one room and one kitchen made of block, cemented roof and ceramic floor. There is electricity that my father pays monthly. We get our water from an artisanal well. At the moment, we do not have any domestic animals at home. Well, thank you so much for loving me and taking time to read this. I send many hugs and greetings.

Sincerely yours,

Yoselin Amelia Riz Perez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua