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! It is a blessing for me to share my information in this opportunity. My name is Cesar Alfredo Pastor Chic and I was born on March 10, 2022 in Joyabaj, Quiche. I am a four-year-old healthy boy, and due to my young age, I am not studying yet.  I stay at home and play soccer. I love the color green and rabbits. I like to eat eggs and beans. I feel blessed to be registered in the Feeding Program and my four siblings also are attending. We walk for 5 minutes to come.  

My father`s name is Daniel Pastor Mucia and he earns a living as a farmer. He also travels with my whole family to the coast for three months to pick coffee beans during harvest season. My mother raises hens to sell and get some income. She would like to have some chicks and we have space for them. Her name is Fermina Chic Riz. I have 5 brothers and 6 sisters, and four of them also are registered in the Feeding Program. Unfortunately, we are not attending any church. We live in my father`s house. There are two rooms and the kitchen is separated. It is an adobe house with a tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We get water from an artisanal well and we have electricity. My father pays for the service monthly. We are a needy family, so our greatest needs are groceries. By the grace of God, my parents, siblings and I are in good health. Well, I will say goodbye to you for now. I hope you enjoy reading my letter. I send you every kind of blessing!

Have a wonderful and blessed day,

Cesar Alfredo Pastor Chic

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua