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.

Hello! It is a wonderful day to bless you in the name Jesus. My name is Iris Janeth Coj Morente. This time, I want to share with you about my family and me. My parents are Victoriano Coj Morente and Marcela Morente Cux de Morente. I live happily with them. My father struggles every day to sustain our family by working as a farmer and day laborer. Meanwhile, my mother takes care of us and the house. She also improves the income by weaving tablecloths to sell. Both are healthy, thanks to God. As a family, we attend the Catholic Church.

I was born on January 22, 2021. I am 4 years old, so I am too young to attend school yet. I like spending my time playing with dolls and toy dishes. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite animal is the butterfly. I enjoy eating Chicken soup. I am a healthy girl. I usually attend the feeding program with my sister and walk for 15 minutes to get there.

About our house, let me tell you that fortunately my parents own one. It is a humble house made of block walls, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. There are six rooms and a separate kitchen. My maternal grandparents live with us. We have electricity and running water at home and my father pays for those services. Our domestic animals are one cow, chickens and turkeys. Our greatest needs are food and clothes. Well, thank you so much for your interest in getting to know me better. I send many kisses and hugs to you from Guatemala.

Many blessings,

Iris Janeth Coj Morente

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua