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! My name is Antonio Adrian Hernandez Mendez and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on February 14, 2020 and I am six years old. My father`s name is Andres Hernandez de la Cruz and my mother`s name is Danis Sarai Mendez Pu. I live with them and I have one sister. My father earns a living as a farmer and day laborer. Moreover, he travels to the coast to pick coffee beans 4 months a year. My mother dedicates her time to the family and housework duties. In addition, she raises hens, pigs, cows and sheep to sell and earn some money to support the home expenses. We would like to have some chicks because we have enough space for them. We believe in God and we attend the Prince of Peace Christian Church.

I live in my parent`s house. We have one room made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and dirt floors with a separated kitchen. We get water from a nearby river by connecting a hose. We have electricity and my father pays a monthly amount for the service. We are a needy family and our current needs are groceries. Thankfully, my parents and whole family are doing well. My mother accompanies me to the Feeding Program and we walk for 15 minutes to come because I take my lunch at the local school from Pasojoc l. I am in kindergarten this year and I enjoy playing soccer and riding a bike. My favorite meal is fried chicken. I like red, and I love rabbits. It was a blessing for me to send you my personal information and I hope you enjoy reading it. Have a nice day!

Huge hugs,

Antonio Adrian Hernandez Mendez

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua