My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiché Indians who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak an Indian dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! My name is Jorge Alexander Morente Suar. I was born on February 14, 2021, in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 4 years old and I am in good health. Since I am too young, I am not attending school yet. So, I stay at home and I like to play football and toy cars. I love the color blue, and my favorite animal is the cat. I love eating rice with eggs. I have one brother and two sisters. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program; I get there by walking in 30 minutes, and my mom accompanies me.

My father´s name is Jose Maria Morente Toj. He has been living and working in the United States for three years, and he works in a dairy farm. He keeps in touch with us and sends us monthly support. My mother´s name is Micaela Suar Lares. She does the housework; she raises hens, cows, sheep and pigs to sell. Thanks to God, my family is healthy. We attend the Catholic Church. The house in which we live belongs to my paternal grandfather. We share the house with my grandparents, uncles and cousins. There are three adobe rooms with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. The kitchen is separate. We have running water and electricity; my parents contribute to pay for those services. Our greatest needs are groceries and clothes. I say goodbye to you for now, and I hope to hear from you soon. Many and rich blessings for you!

Hugs and kisses,

Jorge Alexander Morente Suar

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala