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 may God bless you! My Full name is Armando Calachij Gomez and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on March 19, 2019. I am 7 years old and I am in good health. I am in 1^st grade and my favorite pastime is playing soccer. I love cats and my favorite meal is fried chicken. I like the color red. I have a healthy family and I have three brothers and five sisters. My two brothers belong to the Feeding Program, and we walk fifty minutes to come. My father`s name is Carlos Calachij Jimon and my mother`s name is Manuela Gomez de la Cruz. My father makes a living as a farmer and typical day laborer. My mother is a housewife. She also raises hens and weaves typical bags to sell. Unfortunately, we are not attending any church.

My family and I live in my father`s house, but my sisters-in-law and my nephews live with us. The house is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We have two rooms and a separated kitchen, and we use solar panels to get electricity. We get water from our little natural spring. We have hens at home, but we would like to have some chicks because we have space for them in the house. Our priorities are groceries, clothing and shoes because we are a needy family. I am thankful for the opportunity to belong to the Feeding Program. I will say goodbye to you for now, but I send you every kind of blessing!

Warm wishes,

Armando Calachij Gomez

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua