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.

Hello, I am Cristian Alexander Morente Ruiz. I am very excited to share with you about my life and family. I am a healthy 5-year-old boy. I was born on October 8, 2019. I was enrolled at school this year and I am in pre-kinder. My hobbies are playing with toy cars and soccer. I like cats and the color red. My favorite meal is fried chicken. I like attending the feeding program and I usually attend with my oldest sister. We walk for 30 minutes. I do not have any brothers, just two sisters. I live with my parents Jacobo Israel Morente de la Cruz and Cesia Petronila Ruiz Morente de Morente. Currently, my father is working as a farmer or day laborer with some neighbors to cover our needs. My mother raises chickens for selling besides doing the housework and taking care of us. Fortunately, they enjoy good health. As a family, we continue attending the Church of God.

Thank God, we live in our own house. It has two rooms and a kitchen. They are made of adobe walls, tile roof and cemented floor. There is also an artisanal well where we get our water. My grandfather shares electricity through extensions. My father and he take turns paying for the service. Our main necessity is food and corn. I hope you find this interesting. Thank you for taking the time to read it. May God bless you richly!

Kisses and hugs,

Cristian Alexander Morente Ruiz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua