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! This is Maria Keyla Adalynn Mucia Portuguez and I was born on January 29, 2022. I am 4 years old and my past time is to play with toy bears. My favorite color is pink and I like cows. I enjoy eating hen broth. I am in preschool this year. I am the only child from my mother, and her name is Irma Lorena Mucia Portuguez. She is the only one that supports me financially because my father abandoned me when he found out my mother was pregnant. He does not want to legally recognize me. I know nothing about him. My mother works in the tortillas business in Guatemala City and she comes to visit me every two or three months. After that, she returns to her job, but she calls me always. Meanwhile, my grandmother Juana Portuguez Simaj takes care of me and accompanies me to the Feeding Program. We walk for fifteen minutes to come because I take my lunch in the local school from Pasojoc I. We belong to the Spring of Life Christian Church, and by the grace of God, my mother, grandmother and whole family are in good health.

We live in my maternal grandfather`s house and my uncles, cousins and maternal grandparents live with us. We have two rooms and one separated kitchen. The rooms are made of block and ceramic floors. We have running water and electricity, so they pay the electricity monthly. We have some cows and hens. My grandmother would like to have some chicks and we have enough space for them. Our priority needs are groceries, corn and clothing, so I would like to pray for my family and our needs. I hope you and yours are doing well when this letter reaches you. Have a wonderful and peaceful day!

Lots of love,

Maria Keyla Adalynn Mucia Portuguez

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua