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.

What a wonderful blessing to write to you today. I hope you are having a great year. My name is Maycol Gustavo Grave Coj. I am 6 years old. I am in kindergarten at school. I spend my free time playing with my toys. I like dogs as pets. I love eating noodles and chicken. My favorite color is yellow. I have four brothers and two sisters with whom I walk for 15 minutes to attend the program.

My parents are Santos Grave Mendez and Magdalena Coj Gomez. My father does not live with us because he traveled to The United States 7 years ago. He is working there in a dairy. He communicates with us every month and sends money for our support. Nevertheless, he has been separated from my mom for 2 years more or less. My mom oversees the house and takes care of us. Praise God, both are in good health. As a family, we attend church.  Our greatest needs are corn and groceries.

Thankfully, my parents own a house. It has three rooms including the kitchen. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. We get running water from an artisanal well that is in my house. There is electricity that my mother pays monthly. Our domestic animals are chickens and pigs. Ok, I have to say goodbye for now, so please take care of yourself. I love you and send many greetings for you from Guatemala.

Best wishes,

Maycol Gustavo Grave Coj

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua