Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, 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 corps. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! My full name is Marleny Ajqui Garcia, and I am excited to share a little about my life with you. I was born on March 19, 2019. I am 6 years old and fortunately, I am doing well. I am in kindergarten. I have a lot of fun playing hide-and-seek and pretending to cook with my kitchen toys. My favorite color is purple. I love eating fried chicken. My favorite domestic animals are chicks. My parents, siblings, and I attend a Christian Church called Prince of Peace. We usually go to church on Mondays and Saturdays. My father’s name is Francisco Ajqui Alvarado. He makes a living as a farmer in our village. My mother’s name is Eva Garcia Simaj. She keeps busy doing the chores and taking care of my siblings and me. I have one brother and one sister. My mother also raises chickens and turkeys for our consumption, although she occasionally sells them. The house where we live belongs to my father. It is made of adobe, metal sheets, and concrete floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, but no running water. However, we get water from a nearby spring. I am glad because I am already part of the feeding program. It is about one hour away from my house. My mother and I usually walk to get there. See you later!

Kisses and hugs,

Marleny Ajqui Garcia

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala