My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their laborers. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

Hello! I am Jairon Elias Ortiz Castro, and I am so excited to introduce myself for the very first time to you. I hope you find this interesting. I am going to start by telling you about me. I was born on December 13, 2017, in Chimaltenango. I am 8 years old. My health is good thanks to God. I am currently attending the first grade at school. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite pet is the pig. I love eating fried chicken. My hobby is playing with toy cars. I like attending the feeding program and it takes me 5 minutes to arrive by bus with my aunt.

I only have one brother. My mother´s name is Dominga Ortiz Castro. Unfortunately, my biological father did not legally recognize me. I do not know anything about him. My mother established a new relationship with Mr. Manuel Tzunux. He has been in our family for 6 years. He traveled to The United States to work and now is our only provider. He works by washing tractor trailers. He keeps in communication with us every day. On the other side my mom stays at home doing the hard work and takes care of us. Both are in good health.

We live in a humble house that belongs to my maternal grandmother. Thankfully, we do not pay any rent. The house has 4 rooms and a separate kitchen, and we use three rooms. The house is made of brick walls, concrete and tile roof and granite floor. There is running water and electricity that my stepfather pays every time. Our domestic animals are chickens. As a family, our greatest necessity is food. We attend the Catholic Church. Well, this is all about my family and me. I appreciate that you take the time you read this. Take care and God bless you for helping Guatemalan children through Living Water.

Hugs and blessings,

Jairon Elias Ortiz Castro

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua