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! It is my pleasure to share my son´s information in this opportunity. His name is Yeison Francisco Morente Toj. He was born on November 28th, 2019. He is already 5 years old. Unfortunately, he is a boy with special needs; he cannot walk, talk or see. Because of his condition, his school opportunities are less than those of other children. He loves cats. He likes eating noodles and rice. I am living with my four children, three boys and one girl in Pacoc I, Zacualpa, Quiche.

My husband was Cristobal Morente Ajqui, but he already passed away about four years ago due to alcoholism. My name is Maria Toj Cux. I am a housewife and most of the time I stay at home because Yeison needs help. I raise some hens. Thanks to God, my older son Manuel is the one who works and provides for our family; he works as a day labor. He is 16 years old but does his best to help me to supply the home needs. This situation is very hard for our family because I cannot go to work and our resources are limited to buy clothes, and all the essentials at home. We do not have beds,

chairs or furniture; I have improvised some wooden boards and we sleep over them.

Thankfully, we live in our own house; there is one room and a separated kitchen. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. There is no running water or electricity. So, we get water from a natural stream with the help of a hose, and we use candles or fatwood for light at night. We are a very needy family and the greatest needs are clothes, shoes, beds, a table, chairs and especially food. We are members of a Christian Church. The feeding program is one hour away from our home by walking. Thank you very much for reading my son’s information. May God bless you!

Lots of love,

Yeison Francisco Morente Toj and Maria Toj Cux (mother)

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua