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.

Warm greetings to you! I am so happy to write you from Guatemala. This is the first time that I can share something about my life. Well, my name is Sindy Natasha Chingo Castro. My parents are Jaime Chingo Riz and Magdalena Castro Cux. I live with both. My father supports my family by working in a motorcycle workshop while my mother stays at home taking care of us and the house. She also raises some chickens for selling to contribute economically. Thankfully, they are in good health. We attend the Liberty Church of Tunaja.

I am a healthy 5-year-old girl. I was born on April 11, 2020. I spend time playing with my kittens at home because I am not attending school yet. My favorite color is pink, and my favorite animal is the cat. I love eating fried chicken. I am an only child. I like attending the feeding program. My mother takes me to the program by bus. It is a five-minute trip. We do not live in our own house. My great-grandfather shares his house with us. My maternal grandparents also live there. It is a humble 3-room house with a separate kitchen. We use two rooms. It is made of block, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. There is running water and electricity that my parents pay. Our domestic animals are chickens, pigs and turkeys. We have many needs, but the main one is food. Well, this is all for now. Thank you for your attention and time to read this. Take care!

Best wishes,

Sindy Natasha Chingo Castro

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua