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 Karla Marilena Tzoy Ajqui and I was born on March 16, 2021 in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am five years old and I am in good health. I am not studying yet due to my young age. My favorite color is purple. I love cats, and I play dolls and Legos. I have two brothers and five sisters. Two of my siblings are registered in the Feeding Program and we walk for 1 hour and a half to come. My mother`s name is Manuela Ajqui Garcia and my father`s name was Manuel Tzoy Simaj. Sadly, my father passed away this year on April 30. He was suffering from throat cancer, so now, my mother is working as a day laborer for two or three days per week to provide for our needs (She earns Q50=$6.67 per day) Fortunately, my older brother Camilo Josue is living and working in the United States, and he sends money to contribute to the home expenses. He is doing fine, but we do not know what kind of job he has.

We persevere in the Prince of Peace Christian Church. We are a needy family, so our current needs are groceries and corn. We have a cow, hens and sheep at home. We live in our own house and it consists of two adobe rooms with tiles roof, cemented floors and a separated kitchen. We have electricity and running water and my mother pays for the services. Thank you for reading my personal information and may God bless you richly!

Lots of love,

Karla Marilena Tzoy Ajqui

Translated By: Gladys de Catavi, AAC Secretary-Antigua