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.

Hello! My full name is Lester Estuardo Jimon Benito and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on August 2, 2021. I am five years old and I live with my parents at home. My mother`s name is Venancia Benito Gutierrez, and my father`s name is Nazario Jimon Calachij. He works at the coast picking coffee beans to provide for our needs. He comes to visit us every three months, and he stays at home for one month. After that, he returns to his job. My mother is a housewife and she raises hens and sheep to sell and contribute to the home expenses. We would like to have some chicks because we have enough space for them. Thankfully, my family and I are in good health. I have one sister. We are a needy family, and our current needs are corn, clothing and groceries. We believe in God and we congregate in the King of the Ages Christian Church.

I like to be part of the Feeding Program and my mother takes me.  We walk for thirty minutes to come because I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I. I like to play with toy cars and balls at home because I am not studying yet due to my age. My favorite animals are cats. Blue is my favorite color and I love to eat grilled beef. We live in our own house. We have two adobe rooms with a tin sheet roof, dirt floor and a separated kitchen. We do not have electricity, but we use candles at night and a neighbor gives my mother a barrel of water. We have hens and sheep at home. Well, it was a blessing for me to send you my personal information. Thank you for reading it. I send you all my love!

Warm wishes,

Lester Estuardo Jimon Benito

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua