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.

I feel excited to say hello to you from Guatemala. Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Melisa Hilaria Riz Ruiz. I am three years old. I was born on August 28, 2021. Thank God, my health is good. I am still too young to attend school. Pink is my favorite color. I love eating roast meat. I like cows. My hobby is playing with dolls. I have one sister. My grandmother accompanies me to the feeding program. We must walk for 20 minutes to reach the program.

Unfortunately, we do not have our own house. We live in our neighbor´s house. Fortunately, we do not pay any rent. She just lets us live there. My aunt also lives with us. The house has three rooms and a kitchen. We use two rooms. It is made of adobe, tile roof and dirt floor. We do not have running water, but our neighbor has an artisanal well and gives us water. My grandmother just pays for the electricity service every month. We only have a dog at home. Our greatest necessities at home are corn, food and clothes.

About my parents, well, I do not know anything about my father. Sadly, he abandoned us when my mother was 7 months pregnant. I just know that he is not the same father as my sister´s. For that reason, I do not have any communication or receive support from him. On the other hand, my mother´s name is Maria Elena Riz Ruiz. She does not live with us because she works in Joyabaj, which is a place far away from Tunaja. She works there to support our family. Besides that, she earns extra money by working in a tortilla shop. She visits us every 15 days but calls us every day. Meanwhile, I stay under the care of my grandmother. Her name is Hilaria Ruiz Grave. My mother is our main supporter. Thank God, both are in good health. Currently, we attend the Church of Christ. Well, I have to say goodbye for now. Please take care of yourself. I appreciate that you read this.

Strong hugs and blessings,

Melisa Hilaria Riz Ruiz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua