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 Jeidy Meleysda Luis Quino and I was born on April 23, 2017 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am a healthy 9-year-old girl. I am in second grade this year. I like to play with balls. I love cows and grilled meat is my favorite meal. Purple is my favorite color. Four of my siblings are registered in the Feeding Center and I am happy to be part of this Project. We get there by walking in 1 hour because we get our lunch at the local school from Pasojoc I.

 My father is Pedro Luis de la Cruz. Unfortunately, he is suffering from gastritis. My mother suffers from muscle pain, but they have not visited the doctor yet due to a lack of money. My mother`s name is Romelia Quino Alvarez. My father earns a living as a farmer some days, but the rest of the time he prays for many people in their houses and receives offerings. My mother is a stay-at-home-mom and she takes care of the family. I have six sisters and three brothers. We are members of the Charismatic Renewal Church that belongs to the Catholic Church. We are a needy family, so our current needs are corn and groceries. We live in my father`s house. There are two rooms and the kitchen is separated. It is a tin sheet house with tile roof and a dirt floor. There are running water and electricity services, and my father pays monthly for the electricity. We have cows, a dog and hens at home, but we would like to have some chicks, and thankfully, we have enough space for them. Well, thank you for reading my news. Blessings to you!

Warm wishes,

Jeidy Meleysda Luis Quino

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua