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 Estela Yolanda Cristobal Garcia and I was born in Zacualpa Quiche. My birthdate is July 13, 2020 and I am 5 years old. I am in good health and I am not studying yet due to my age. I stay at home and I like to play kitchen. I love the color black and cats. Rice is my favorite food. I walk thirty minutes to the Feeding Program along with my uncles. Nowadays, we are not attending any church. I live under my mother`s care because my father, Juan Daniel Cristobal Chivalan, abandoned us five years ago and he does not communicate with us. So, we know nothing about him. My mother`s name is Cristina Lorenza Garcia Mendez and she is the only one that supports me financially by weaving and selling typical blouses. She is a healthy woman. Our priority needs are clothing.

Fortunately, we live in my grandfather`s house. His name is Mario Grave and we share the house with my grandparents and cousins. We have three rooms and a separated kitchen. The house is made of adobe walls, tile roof and dirt floors. We have our own water source and we use solar panels for light. We have cows, hens and sheep, but we also like to have some chicks because the house has enough space for them. This was my personal information and I hope you enjoy reading it. May God bless you greatly!

Huge hugs,

Estela Yolanda Cristobal Garcia

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