My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiché is always a challenge.

I greet you in Jesus’ name. I am Juana Yesica Torquiz Tzoy, and I am in good health. I was born on December 4, 2018, so I am 6 years old now. I am in kindergarten this year, and I play with my dolls in my free time. I like the color purple, and I love cats. My favorite food is beef broth. I only have one sister. I walk for 30 minutes to get to the feeding progam. At the moment, my family and I are not attending a church. Please pray for us and our needs which are groceries, clothes and shoes.

My father’s name is Mario Torquiz Panjoj, and my mother’s name is Vilma Maribel Tzoy Toj; they are in good health. I tell you that I have lived with my paternal grandmother, Manuela Torquiz, since I was a baby, and my parents agreed with this. My grandma covers all my needs. She embroiders typical blouses and raises hens and turkeys for selling. My parents live next to me, so I see them every day.  The house where I live belongs to my grandma, and it has one room and a kitchen. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and dirt floor, and we have running water and electricity services.

I would like to close my letter asking for your prayers for my grandma because two years ago, she hurt her right foot and the doctor tried to correct the issue. It did not work, and she cannot walk for a long time. This is all for now, and I hope to hear from you soon.

With much love

Juana Yesica Torquiz Tzoy

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua