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 and blessings to you! My name is Deysi Arely Simaj Mendez. I was born on August 23, 2026 and I am six years old. I am in kindergarten and I love to play with dolls. I like pink, and I enjoy eating steak. My favorite animal is the cow. I live under my mother`s care because my father is living and working in the United States. His name is Leonel Eleazar Simaj Ajqui, and he earns a living as a gardener. He sends money to sustain the family every two months and calls us every week. My mother Maria Elena Mendez Calachij embroiders typical napkins to sell and contribute to the home expenses. I only have one brother. He also attends the Feeding Program. My mother takes me to the Program and we walk 10 minutes to arrive. I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I. We believe in God and we are attending the Christian Church.

We live in three rooms and there is a separated kitchen. The house belongs to my paternal grandmother. It is made of adobe with tin sheet roof and rustic cemented floors. We have running water and electricity. My father pays the water bill once a year, and once a month he pays electricity. My mother has some hens and cows, but she would like to have more chicks because we have enough space in the house. I am a healthy girl and thankfully, my brother and parents are doing well. I will say good-bye to you for now, but I hope you enjoy my letter.

Blessings to you,

Deysi Arely Simaj Mendez

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua