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! My full name is Emily Samantha Idelfonso Mendez, and I am glad to share my story with you. I was born on May 13, 2021. I am too young to attend school. I am an only child in my family. My favorite pastime is playing ball with my mother. I love eating fried chicken. My favorite color is pink. I like domestic animals, but my favorites are chicks. Fortunately, my family and I are doing well. We attend the Catholic Church. My mother’s name is Rosario Idelfonso Mendez. She is a housewife and raises some domestic animals for our consumption. We have chickens and sheep at home. My father’s name is Felipe Morente Ajqui. He traveled to the United States before I was born. He could not recognize me legally, but he watches out for me.

My father is in touch with us, so we know he works as a mason. He sends us money every two months. We pray and ask the Lord to take care of him. I take this time to ask you to join us in prayer. My mother and I live in a house that belongs to my uncle on my mother’s side. He does not charge us for rent. My grandparents also live with us. The house is made of adobe with tile roofs and dirt floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My grandfather works as a farmer and pays the electricity bill with his income. We are a low-income family, so I ask you to pray for us. Our priorities are groceries, especially corn. The feeding program is about two hours away from where I live. My mother and I usually walk to get there. I will leave you now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Kisses and hugs,

Emily Samantha Idelfonso Mendez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala