My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

My name is Sheylie Karina Tzoy Simaj and I am excited to tell you a little about my life through this letter. I am 8 years old, and fortunately, I am doing well. I was born on February 9, 2017. I attend school as a second grader and my favorite color is pink. I enjoy playing with my dolls in my free time. I love having fried chicken for my meals. I like domestic animals, but my favorite one is the cat. I live with my mother, siblings, and some of my uncles on my mother’s side. Some of them are already married. My mother’s name is Maria Simaj Benito. She is a single parent and works hard in a tortilleria business to support our family. I ask you to pray for my mom since he has suffered from headaches. We supposed her sickness is a product of the extreme temperatures she is exposed to at work. I do not have my biological father with me because he separated from my mom many years ago. His name is Victor Vicente Tzoy Tzoc. We know nothing about him. We do not receive any financial support from him. 

I am glad because my siblings are doing well. I have one sister and two brothers. We attend a Christian Church called Pentecostal United. We live in our own house. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen, which is in bad condition. Our current priority is fixing this area at home, so please pray for us. Fortunately, there is electricity and running water. My uncles and mom share the expenses and the bills for the services. As for domestic animals, let me tell you that we raise a few hens for our consumption. We live about 10 minutes from the feeding program. My cousins and I usually get there on foot. I say goodbye to you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my information. I hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself!

In the name of Jesus,

Sheylie Karina Tzoy Simaj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala