My Story

Pasojoc III, where your child lives, is located in an extremely remote area of the mountains in Quiche, Guatemala.  Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is a 3-hour walk to the nearest market town.  The people who inhabit the area are Quiche Mayans who can trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche, however, Spanish is becoming more common.  The climate is basically warm, but it can get very cold at night.  Houses in this area are typically constructed of adobe with tin sheet or tile roofs and dirt floors.  Pasojoc III is an area rich with natural resources.  It is a farming area where the inhabitants grow staples such as corn, beans and other types of vegetables.  Many families also raise domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens.

Hello, my name is Selvin Agustin Gomez Mendez and my birthdate is May 8, 2017. I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche and I am 8 years old. I am in good health and I am in 2^nd grade at school this year. My favorite color is white and I like cows. I love to eat beans and eggs. In my free time, I play with balls. I have two brothers and three sisters. I walk forty minutes to come to the Feeding Center.  My family and I attend the Charismatic Group that belongs the Catholic Church. I live under my parent`s care. My father is in good health, but sometimes he feels weakness while my mother suffered a stroke five years ago. Now, she still has body pain. My father’s name is Agustin Gomez and he earns a living by working as a farmer. My mother’s name is Tomasa Mendez Garcia de Gomez and she does the chores at home and takes care of us. In addition, she raises hens to sell and get some income to support the home expenses. As a humble family, our current needs are groceries and corn.

I live in my parent`s house. It consists of one room with a separated kitchen. Our house is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floors. We have running water and electricity. We have our own water source and my father pays the electricity service monthly. As you know, we have domestic animals but we would like to have more chicks because we have enough space in the house for them. I hope you enjoy reading my personal information. Blessings to you!

Strong hugs,

Selvin Agustin Gomez Mendez

Translated by:  Gladys Chavez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua