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 name is Ronaldino Morente Ajqui and I was born on April 15, 2022 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am a four-year-old-boy. Due to my young age, I am not studying yet. I stay at home and play with balls and toy cars. I love dogs and my favorite color is blue. I like to eat fried chicken. I feel so happy because my four siblings and I are registered in the Feeding Program, and we get there by walking in 25 minutes.

My father is Jacinto Morente Garcia and he works as a farmer and typical day laborer to sustain the family. My mother is Gregoria Ajqui Tzoy. She is a stay-at-home-mom and she dedicates her time to taking care of the family. She has hens, but she would like to have chicks too. We have enough space in the house for them. I have three brothers and three sisters. We attend the Charismatic Church that belongs to the Catholic Church. We live in our own house. We have two adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and dirt floors. We cook in a galley. There are running water and electricity services, and my father pays for those services. We are a needy family, so our current needs are groceries and corn. By the grace of God, my family and I are doing well. Thank you for your attention. May God bless you richly!

Strong hugs,

Ronaldino Morente Ajqui

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua