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! My full name is Mary Janeth de la Cruz Ventura and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche on November 23, 2021. I am 5 years old and I am in good health. I am not studying yet due to my young age. I like to play with dolls. I love dogs and eating fried chicken. I am happy to belong to the Feeding Program and I get there by walking in ten minutes. My grandmother Maria Luis Alvarez accompanies me.

My father`s name is Hector de la Cruz Luis and my mother`s name is Rosa Ventura Us. She is a housewife. My father earns a living as a musician and he also works in a barber shop to sustain the family. I only have one brother. We belong to the Prince of Peace Christian Church. We live in my paternal grandmother`s house. There are two rooms and the kitchen is separated. My grandmother and cousins live there too and they help to pay the electricity service. It is an adobe house with a tiles roof and a dirt floor. We get water from a nearby creek. We have hens and pigs at home, and we would like to have some chicks too because we have enough space for them. We are a needy family and our greatest needs are corn and groceries. By the grace of God, my whole family and I are in good health. Thank you for reading my personal information. Blessings to you!

Strong hugs,

Mary Janeth de la Cruz Ventura

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua