My Story

Tunaja is a very primitive area of the state of Quiche, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiche Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiche. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. 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 Tunaja is extremely difficult.

Hello! My name is Ramiro Eduardo Chingo Tecum, and I am excited to share my information with you. I was born on June 23, 2021. I am too young to attend school, so I stay home with my mother. I am 4 years old. My favorite pastime is playing soccer with my siblings. I have one brother and one sister. My favorite pets are dogs. I love the color blue.  My family and I attend the Catholic Church in our village. Fortunately, we are all healthy. My father’s name is Santos Chingo Morente. He is dedicated to growing corn for our consumption. He also works as a day laborer. My mother’s name is Maria Angelica Tecum Tzuy. She is a great housewife and prepares delicious meals, but my favorite food is eggs. Please, pray for our needs. Some of them are clothes and food, especially corn.

We live with my grandparents at their home. Some of my aunts, uncles, and their children live there, too. All of them are my relatives on my father’s side. The house is made of adobe with a tile roof and a concrete floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. We have a few cats and dogs at home as pets. The feeding program is near where I live. I only walk for five minutes to get there. This is all for now, but I want you to know that my mother and a staff member of LW helped me write this letter. Have a lovely day!

Sincerely yours,

Ramiro Eduardo Chingo Tecum

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala