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.

I am so happy to say hello for the first time. My name is Petronila Gonzalez Morente. I hope you are doing well in your country. I would like to share with you a little bit about my family and me. I was born in Zacualpa on July 4, 2019. I am 6 years old. I am in pre-primary due to my young age. In my free time, I like playing with my dolls. I like sheep, and my favorite color is pink. I love eating fried chicken. I have one brother and one sister. My brother Julio and I attend the feeding program. We walk for 15 minutes to get there.

I live with my parents. My father is Julio Armando Gonzalez de Leon, and my mother is Elvia Virginia Morente Garcia. My mother does the hard work at home and takes care of us. She supports our family by washing clothes for others and raises chickens to sell. Unfortunately, my dad does not work after the accident he had 4 years ago. He had his leg amputated and is currently using a prosthesis. For that reason, my maternal uncles help us a little economically. About my mother´s health, well she is taking medicine because she suffers from pain in her feet, so I would like to ask for your prayers for her.

We attend the Prince of Peace Church as a family. Like many other families, we need corn and groceries. We do not own a house, but my maternal aunt loans us a place to live. We share it with my maternal grandparents. The house has three rooms and a kitchen. We use only one room. It is made of block, concrete roof and ceramic floor. We have running water and electricity, and we share the expenses with my grandparents. Our domestic animals are chickens. Alright, I thank you for loving me from the distance. May God bless you and reward you for your support through Living Water. I hope we can keep in touch to get to know each other.

Lots of love,

Petronila Gonzalez Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua