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 Leonardo Us Garcia, and it is my pleasure to share something about my life with you. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I was born on July 14, 2015. I am 10 years old. My health is good. I am a second-grade student. I love eating fried chicken and my favorite animal is the lion. I like blue, and my hobby is playing soccer. I have one brother. My aunt Elena takes me to the feeding program. We usually take a bus for 20 minutes to get there.

My father is Maynor Us Hernandez. He does not live with us since he traveled to The United States 7 years ago. He is working for a company that raises turkeys for selling. He calls us every day and sends money for our needs every month. My mother´s name is Maria García Hernandez. Sadly, she abandoned our family two years ago. We do not have any communication with her or even receive any support from her. For that reason, I live with my paternal grandmother. She does not work due to her advanced age. We survive with the money that my father sends. My father established a new relationship with Maria Teresa, and they have been married for one year. They are both in The United States.

My grandmother owns a house where we live together with one uncle. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. We use only one room. The house is made of block, tile roof and cemented floor. We have a well where we get our water. There is electricity that my father pays for every time. Our domestic animals are chickens, cows and turkeys. Our needs are groceries. Unfortunately, we do not attend any church at the moment, but I hope to attend one soon. Thank God, my whole family enjoys good health. Alright, this is a short story of my life and family. I send you many kisses and hugs, hoping to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Leonardo Us Garcia

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua