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 corps. 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! I fondly greet you from the beautiful Pasojoc village. My full name is Axel Rony Franco Gomez, and I want to share a little about my life with you. I was born on September 22, 2018. I am a healthy boy and I love playing soccer and with my toy cars. I am in kindergarten. My favorite color is red. Domestic animals are cute, but my favorites are chicks. Now, let me tell you about my family. We are Christians and attend a nearby church called Prince of Peace. We usually go there on Wednesdays. My father’s name is Samuel Franco Ajqui. He lives and works in the United States. He traveled to that country about five years ago. He works on a farm where he packages vegetables. Please pray for my father. He does his best to be in touch with us and sends us money monthly.

My mother’s name is Rufina Gomez Pastor. She is a housewife and takes care of my brother and me. I only have one brother. My mother also raises chickens and pigs for our consumption. She occasionally sells them in case of need. She prepares delicious food, but my favorite is chicken stew. My family and I live in our own house, although it legally belongs to my father. The walls and roofs are made of concrete blocks, and the floors are ceramic. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. The feeding program is near my house. My brother and I usually walk for ten minutes to get there. To end this letter, I kindly ask you to pray for my family and our needs. Our priority is food. See you later!

Special regards,

Axel Rony Franco Gomez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala