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.

Blessings to you in the name of Jesus! My name is Carlos Dylan Oliver de la Cruz Grave and I was born on May 1, 2022 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am 4 years old. My father`s name is Luis Eliseo de la Cruz Gutierrez. My mother`s name is Martina Grave Hernandez and she dedicates her time to the family and household duties. She also raises domestic animals to sell when she has an economic need while my father works in a gas station in Zacualpa town to sustain the family. I only have 1 sister. By the grace of God, my family and I are in good health. I live in my paternal grandparent`s house and they live with us. My uncles and cousins also live there. We have three rooms and one separated kitchen. The rooms are made of adobe and tin sheet roof with cemented floor. We have running water and electricity. My grandfather works as a day laborer, and he shares the payments of the services with my father. We have sheep, cows and chicks at home, but we would like to have more chicks and have enough space in the house. We are a needy family, so our current needs are groceries and corn.

We are believers and we belong to the Christian Life Church. I want to tell you that my aunt Paula takes me to the Program, and we walk for thirty minutes to arrive because I take my lunch at the school from Pasojoc I. I am not studying yet, due to my young age, so I stay at home. I love to play soccer and toy cars. My favorite meal is grilled meat. I like the color blue and dogs. I hope you enjoy reading my information. Blessings to you!

A bunch of kisses,

Carlos Dylan Oliver de la Cruz Grave

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua