My Story

Pasojoc is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, 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. Pasojoc is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! My name is Yeni Sarai Dominga Chivalan Riz, and I am glad to share a little about my life with you. I was born on July 17, 2020. I still do not attend school. I stay home and have a lot of fun playing with my dolls. My favorite color is orange. Domestic animals are cute, but my favorite one is the sheep. About food, I love eating fried chicken. Fortunately, I am a healthy girl and have a lovely family. My father is Esteban Chivalan Luis. He traveled to the United States about four years ago. He calls us every week, so we know he is doing well and works on a farm. He is doing his best to cover our needs. Our priority is food. We pray that the Almighty take care of my father. Therefore, I kindly ask you to join us in prayer.

My mother is Micaela Riz Cux de Chivalan. She is a housewife, but weaves traditional clothes to contribute to the expenses. In addition, she occasionally sells chickens and hens. We are a Christian family and attend a nearby church called Prince of Peace. The house where we live belongs to one of our relatives. We do not pay rent for it. The house is made of adobe with metal sheet roofs and dirt floors. It has one room, a separate kitchen, but no running water or electricity. However, we use candles at night and get water from a nearby spring. The feeding program is about 30 minutes away from my home. So, my older siblings and I usually walk to get there. I have three siblings. They are one brother and two sisters. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself!

Sincerely yours,

Yeni Sarai Dominga Chivalan Riz

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala