My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, 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.  Chuchuca is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major corps. 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! I am so excited to share my information through this. My name is Rosa Rocio Coj Garcia. I was born on November 12^th of 2020, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am now 4 years old and I am in good health. My father´s name is Juan Coj Garcia. Unfortunately, he does not live with us, but he gives us a little economic support every three months because he spends his money on alcohol. He works both as a farmer and day laborer. I would like you to pray for my dad and that he can leave the vice one day. My mother´s name is Petronila Garcia Barrera. She is a housewife and weaves typical items to sell and get income to supply our home needs. She also raises hens. I have one brother and two sisters. Fortunately, they are in good health.

Because of my young age, I am not attending school yet. At the moment, I stay at home and play with my dolls. I love the color pink. I like hens. My favorite food is hen creole broth. We are attending Assembly of God Church. Thanks to God, we live on our property; there is only one room made of wooden boards, with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. The kitchen is separate. We have running water, and the payment is made only once a year. As for electricity, one of our neighbors shares it with us, and my mom pays for it monthly. As a family our greatest needs are groceries. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program and I walk 30 minutes to arrive there; my mother accompanies me. I say goodbye to you for now, but I would like to hear news from you soon. Many and rich blessings for you!

Bunch of hugs,

Rosa Rocio Coj Garcia

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