My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their laborers. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

I am so happy to greet you from Guatemala. I am Joshua Gadiel Barrera Rodriguez. I am a healthy 8-year-old boy. I was born on December 6, 2017. I am a first-grade student. My favorite color is blue. I love eating beef broth. I like cats. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer. I am an only child. My mother or aunt always takes me to the feeding program. We usually walk for 15 minutes to get there. Jose Manuel Barrera Gonzalez is my father. He lives with us and sustains my family by working as a farmer and sometimes as a tuc-tuc driver. Teresa Rodriguez is my mother. She takes care of us and the house. The good news is that she is expecting a baby. Thankfully, both of them are healthy too. We attend the Catholic Church. Our greatest needs are corn and food.

We live with my paternal grandparents. My grandfather is the owner of the house. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen. We only use one room. The house is made of adobe, tile roof and cemented floor. There is running water and electricity that my father and grandparents pay. We do not have any domestic animals. It was a nice pleasure to share a little about me with you. Please take care. Until next time!

Best wishes,

Joshua Gadiel Barrera Rodriguez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua