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.

Good morning! This is Marcela Benito Hernandez and I was born on June 19, 2020 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am 6 years old and I have 6 brothers and 1 sister. Three of them are registered in the Feeding Program and my mother accompanies us to the program. We walk ten minutes to arrive there. We eat our lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I. I am in kindergarten and I like to play with my dolls. I love purple, and hens are my favorite animals. I love to eat fried chicken. I am in good health even though I am recovering from a surgery that I had in my right elbow because I suffered some fractures in both of my elbows. I want you to know that we are believers and we attend the Christian Life Church. My parents and I are in good health. My father`s name is Santiago Benito Chivalan and he is working as a farmer and day laborer. In addition, he travels to the coast to pick coffee beans from November to January, and my whole family goes with him. We help my parents to pick coffee beans. My mother`s name is Pabla Hernandez Grave and she dedicates her time to the housework duties and taking care of our family.

We live in my father`s house, and my paternal grandmother also lives with us. We have two adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and dirt floors. We also have a separated kitchen. A neighbor shares the running water with us by connecting a hose, and my father pays him once a year for the service. We also have electricity and he pays the bill monthly. We have hens, but we would like to have some chicks. Thankfully, we have enough space in the house for them. We are a needy family, so our priority needs are groceries, corn and clothing. Well, I hope you like to read my little story. Blessings to you in the name of Jesus!

Have a wonderful day,

Marcela Benito Hernandez

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua