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 Angel Gael Pol Morente. I am glad to greet you for the very first time. Thank you for giving me the privilege to share a little about me. I was born on August 13. 2020. I will turn 5 years old this year. For that reason, I am not at school yet due to my young age. I spend my time playing with my toy cars and teddies. I enjoy good health thankfully. Blue is my favorite color. I like dogs as pets. Every time I eat fried chicken, I enjoy it. I am an only child. I like attending the feeding program. I usually walk for 10 minutes to get there alongside my cousins and my aunt.

My father is Jose Angel Pol Mendoza. He sustains us by working as a barber. He had a motorcycle accident two months ago. He hurt his left foot and was in therapy. Fortunately, he is recovering now little by little. My mother´s name is Irma Victoria Morente Ruiz. She does the hard work at home and takes care of me. Moreover, she helps economically by weaving typical belts and blouses. Besides that, she raises and sells domestic animals. Praise God, she is currently healthy.

Thank God, my parents own a humble house that has two rooms including the kitchen. It is made of block, tin sheet roof and granite floor. We do not have running water, but my grandmother lives near, so she gives us water. We have electricity and my father pays for that service every month. Our domestic animals are chickens. As a family, our main necessity is food. Sadly, my parents have not taken any decision yet to attend a church. I hope we can attend one soon. Well, thank you so much for your attention. I love you so much. Please take care of yourself.

Best wishes,

Angel Gael Pol Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua