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 Deyli Mariela Ajqui Hernandez. I was born on February 5, 2022, in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 3 years old and I am a healthy girl. Because of my young age, I am not attending school yet. So, I spend my time pretending to cook or with my dolls.  I love the color red, and the animal I like the most is the dog. I love eating noodles. I have only one brother and no sisters. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program; I get there by walking in 10 minutes and my mother accompanies me.

My father´s name is Mateo Ajqui Chibalan. He is a farmer and also goes to work with our neighbors. My mother´s name is Marta Florinda Hernandez Gutierrez. She does the chores at home, and moreover, she raises hens, turkeys and pigs to sell. My family is in good health. We attend the Prince of Peace Church. Fortunately, my father owns the house in which we live. There are two rooms, and a separate kitchen. One part of the house is made of concrete blocks with a cement roof and a cement floor. The other part is made of wooden boards with tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. We have running water and electricity; my father pays for those services. Our greatest needs are groceries, corn and clothes. This is all for now, and I hope to hear news from you soon. Many and rich blessings!

Lots of love,

Deyli Mariela Ajqui Hernandez

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