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 full name is Belinda Yalmita Calachij Garcia and I feel blessed to share my personal information with you. I was born on December 2, 2019. I am 7 years old and I am in kindergarten. I like to play with dolls in my free time. I love dogs and I enjoy eating noodles. My favorite color is pink. I have two brothers. and my brother Edy and my uncles also are registered in the Feeding Program. We attend together and we walk fifty minutes to come. My mother dedicates her time to the family and household duties, and she also weaves typical bags to sell and get some income to contribute to the home expenses. Her name is Maria Elena Garcia Garcia. My father is working as a mason’s helper to sustain the family. His name is Daniel Calachij Gomez. Unfortunately, we are not persevering in any church.

Thankfully, my whole family and I are doing well. My paternal grandfather`s name is Carlos Calachij and we live in his house. My paternal grandparents and uncles live with us. The house is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We have two rooms and a separated kitchen. We get electricity with solar panels. We have water and it is from our little natural spring. We have hens at home and we would like to have some chicks because we have enough space for them in the house. We are a needy family and our priority needs are groceries, clothing and shoes. I would like to ask for your prayers. I hope you enjoy reading my little story. Thank you for your attention and I send you a bunch of hugs!

Lots of love,

Belinda Yalmita Calachij Garcia

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua