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! My name is Lidia Elizabeth Portuguez Grave, and I am very happy to share about me for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I was born on June 29, 2018. I will turn 7 years old this year. My health is good thanks to God. I am a first grader at school. My hobby is playing with dolls. Pink is my favorite color. The cow is my favorite animal. I love eating black beans and eggs. I attend the feeding program alongside my aunts. We normally take the bus. It takes 5 minutes to arrive.  

My parents are Jorge Portuguez Tino and Carmelina Grave Grave. Sadly, my father abandoned us 7 years ago. He does not have communication with us nor help us financially. For that reason, my mother sustains us by farming the land and working as a day laborer. This time, I would like to ask for your prayers for my mom because she suffers from gastritis. Thankfully she is taking medicine currently.

We live with my maternal grandparents and uncles. The house belongs to my uncle. It has three rooms, and a kitchen made of adobe, tile roof and cemented floor. We get our water from an artisanal well and pay monthly for the electricity service. My mom shares the expenses with the relatives we live with. We have some domestic animals such as chickens. Our greatest necessity as a family is food. We attend the Prince of Peace Church. Well, I have to say goodbye to you. I send you many kisses and hugs from Guatemala. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Lidia Elizabeth Portuguez Grave

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua