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 a nice pleasure to greet you through this letter. This is Esvin Eliseo Hernandez Quino. My father is Teodoro Hernandez Chamale, and my mother is Martha Quino Garcia. I live happily with them. My father is a day laborer and dedicates his time to growing corn and his own crops. Meanwhile, my mother does the housework and takes care of us. Thankfully, their health is good now. I was born on October 26, 2019, and I am 5 years old. I am in pre-kinder at school. My favorite color is red. I like rabbits. My favorite dish is fried chicken. I am a healthy boy that enjoys playing with toy cars in my free time. I have two brothers and one sister. My oldest sister and I go to the feeding program. We usually walk for 45 minutes to get there.

We live in a humble rented house that has one room and a separate kitchen. My parents pay Q500.00 = USA $66.67 every month. The house is made of tin sheet roof and walls and dirt floor. We do not have running water and electricity. We must carry the water with plastic jars from my grandmother´s house. We also use candles and solar panels for light. We do not have any domestic animals at home. Our greatest needs are food, clothes and corn. We attend the Assembly of God´s Church. Alright, this is who I am. Thank you for loving me from the distance. I hope you are doing alright. Take care, until next time!

With lots of love,

Esvin Eliseo Hernandez Quino

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua