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.

It is a joy to greet you on this wonderful day. I appreciate your interest to know from me. My name is Amelia Siomara Hernandez Lario. I am 8 years old. I was born on October 19, 2016. My hobbies are playing tag and children’s rounds. I like purple. My favorite animal is the cow. I love eating noodles. I am in the 3^rd grade. I have one brother. I am a healthy girl. Nevertheless, I was operated on in December 2024 for a hernia that I had in the crotch. I am now recovering. I like attending the feeding program. I usually take a bus to get there, and it takes 20 minutes to arrive. It costs Q6.00 = US $0.80 back and forth. I usually go to the program with my aunt.

My father is Rene Hernandez de la Cruz. Unfortunately, he does not live with us because he separated from my family when my mother was 3 months pregnant. His health is good. He helps me economically but does not have any communication with me. He only deposits money into an account for me. My mother´s name is Fermina Larios Ambrocio de Hernandez. She is healthy and lives with me. She is a housewife and does not travel to the coast. She established a new relationship with Mr. Pedro Gomez. He has been living with us for about 3 years. He earns a living by farming the land or working as a day laborer. He contributes with the home expenses. His health is good too.

We live in my stepfather´s house. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of block, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. The kitchen is made of adobe. We get out water from a nearby spring through a hose. There is electricity that my stepfather pays. We have some domestic animals such as chickens and a pig. Those are for our consumption. Our greatest need as a family is food. Thank you so much for your attention. May God bless your richly!

Lots of love,

Amelia Siomara Hernandez Larios

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua