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 nice to greet you for the very first time. My name is Deisy Asusena Simaj Gonzalez, and I hope you are doing well in your country. I am a 6-year-old healthy girl. I was born on February 19, 2019. This year, I am repeating kindergarten at school. My favorite color is red. I like cats. I love eating roasted chicken. My hobby is playing with dolls. We usually walk for 20 minutes to get to the feeing grogram along with my mom and brothers. I have two brothers. Eduardo Simaj is my father. He lives with us and supports my family by farming the land. My mother´s name is Hilda Gonzalez Luis. She lives with us. She is a housewife but helps economically by weaving. This time, I would like to ask for your prayers for my parents because they are going through health difficulties. My father has problems with one of his lungs and his cholesterol while my mother has gastritis and fatty liver. Currently they are taking natural medicine. Finally, I want to tell you that we are attending a church currently.

Fortunately, my father owns a humble house where we live. It is made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented and dirt floor.  There are three rooms and a kitchen. We share the house with my paternal aunt. There is running water and electricity that my father pays. Our domestic animals are cats. As a family, we need corn, groceries, clothes and school supplies. Well, I appreciate that you took the time to read this. Thank you so much! I send my best wishes to you and your family.

Lots of love,

Deisy Asusena Simaj Gonzalez

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua