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.

It is my pleasure to greet you on this beautiful day. My name is Isabela Yurley Garcia Portuguez. I am so happy to write to you and share a little of my family and me. I am the daughter of Edgar Geovany Garcia Quino and Telma Hermelinda Portuguez Cux. My father traveled to The United States 6 months ago. He works there in a company that washes machines. I am with my mom who does the hard work at home and takes care of me. We are communicating with my dad every day. We attend the Methodist Church. Thankfully, my family is healthy.

I will turn 5 years old this year. I was born in Zacualpa on November 23, 2020. I am not at school yet. I spend my time playing with dolls. I like chickens, and pink color. I am a healthy girl. I love eating soup and noodles. I am an only child. My mom or my maternal grandmother take me to the feeding program. We usually take a tuc-tuc to go.

We do not own a house, but my maternal uncle lends us a house to live in. There are three rooms in the house, but we only use one and a separate kitchen. The house has block walls, granite floor and a cemented roof. It has an artisanal well where we get running water. We have electricity that my mom pays for every month. We have chickens as domestic animals. As a family our greatest necessity is food. Well, thank you for your attention. I look forward to writing to you again.

Sending my best wishes to you,

Isabela Yurley Garcia Portuguez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua