My Story

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! This is Pablo Henry Grayson Ruiz Saquic, and I am a healthy 4-year-old boy. I was born on April 26, 2021. I am still too young to attend school, so I stay home. My favorite pastime is playing with toy cars. I like the color blue. My favorite food is fried chicken. I like birds, but my favorite one is the dove. I live with my parents, siblings, and grandparents on my father’s side. Ismael Ruiz Garcia is my father’s name. He makes a living as a farmer. He also travels to the coast from October to January to cut coffee beans. Tomasa Saquic Morales is my mother’s name. She is dedicated to doing the housework and taking care of my siblings and me. I have two brothers and two sisters.

We are a Christian family and attend a nearby church called Prince of Peace. The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. They are elderly people and cannot work, so my father covers all the expenses and needs. Our priorities are clothes, shoes, and food, especially corn. The house is made of adobe, metal sheet roofs, and dirt floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. I am glad because I am already part of the feeding program. My older siblings and I usually walk to get there because it is nearby. It is about 15 minutes away from our house. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Kisses and hugs,

Pablo Henry Grayson Ruiz Saquic

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala