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 Axel Yordi Ajqui Chibalan, and for me, it is a blessing to share my personal information. I was born on April 26, 2022 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am four years old and I live only under my mother`s care. Her name is Isabel Ajqui Chibalan and my father`s name is Abraham Portuguez Morente. I have only my mother`s last name because my father left to go to the United States four years ago when my mother was pregnant, and he did not legally recognize me. However, he calls me and sustains me financially. He works in a mechanic company. My mother is a housewife and takes care of the family. I have one brother and he also is registered in the Feeding Program. My mother accompanies me to the project and we only walk for six minutes to come. We have pigs, hens and turkeys at home, but we also would like to have some chicks and have space for them. We are needy people and our current needs are groceries and corn.

We are believers and we attend the Prince of Peace Christian Church. By the grace of God, we are doing well. I live in my parent`s house, and my paternal grandmother also lives with us. We have two adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and dirt floors with a separated kitchen. We do not have running water, but we get it from a nearby creek by connecting a hose. We also have electricity, and my paternal grandfather shares the payments with my parents. I stay at home with my mother because I am not studying yet due to my young age. I prefer the color red. I like to play with toy cars and I love cats. My favorite meal is “Pepian de pollo” (a typical dish). Well, this was my little story and I hope you find it interesting to read. Have a wonderful day!

Sincerely yours,

Axel Yordi Ajqui Chibalan

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua