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.

What a nice pleasure to communicate with you for the first time! My name is Estefany Melissa Garcia Gonzalez. I am so glad to greet you today. I want you to know a little bit about me. I am a healthy 6-year-old girl. I am currently in kindergarten at school. My hobby is playing with dolls. My favorite animal is the calf, and my favorite color is pink. I love eating roast meat. I have one brother and one sister. My oldest sister takes me to the feeding program. We usually walk for 15 minutes. About my parents, well, my father is Domingo Garci Morente. He lives with us. He works as a farmer growing corn, cleaning the land and doing other jobs. My mother´s name is Maria Gonzalez Garcia. She is a housewife and takes care of us. Thanks to God, they are healthy. We attend the Catholic Church.

Unfortunately, we do not own a house. We live with my paternal grandparents. The house belongs to my grandmother. There is just one room, and a separate kitchen made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floors. There is an artisanal well where we get water. Besides, there is electricity that my father pays for every month.  Our domestic animals are dogs and cats. We have many needs; our house is very small, and sometimes my father does not earn enough for our food. For that reason, that is our greatest need, especially corn. Well, it is time to say goodbye to you. I send many blessings to your family and you. Please take care!

Kisses and hugs,

Estefany Melissa Garcia Gonzalez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua