With a special dedication to my husband, my son, my daughter - in- law and my grandchildren Leslie y Danilo with love, and my great friend Brooke, thanks for everything.

My name is Maria.

I am fifty- five years old.

I was born in Jocotenango.

My grandparents were from a Cackchiquel ethnic group .

My parents were very poor, but they were very hardworking. My father was a driver and my mother worked in the market. I am the oldest daughter in my family.

When I was a seven years old, I started elementary school. It was very difficult because I was very shy. I lived in my grandparents house. My father had a step-mother. His step mother was terrible to my mother and my siblings. My parents worked very hard so, they could buy a their own house. There, we could live very quiet. Our new house was very uncomfortable, very poor, but our family were very happy.

we had good neighbors, They were very kind with us.

IN 1976, I started high school in Antigua not far Guatemala City.

I studied in "Santa Familia" very religious an disciplined school. I liked studying very much there, I learned many things. When I was young, I used to work with my mother in the market, where we sold food. Also, during October, November and December My sister and I, we used to work on farmer picking coffee beans, so we could buy some things for Christmas.

In 1978, I turned fifteen, so I had a party to celebrate my birthday with my grandparents, parents and siblings, I was very excited because it was very special day. I wore a very blue dress very beautiful, with silver shoes and a tiara.

In 1985, I graduate from El Institute called "Instituto Normal para Senoritas "Olimpia Leal" then I got my first job. I was only earning Q100.00 per month, but the work was very good. I had many co -workers, there including Ody and I became very good friends (and we are still).

In 1989, I got married. My husband's name is Dolores, he is a fifty-five years old.

In 1994, we bought our house where we have lived for many years. I had a children but he is an adult.

Now my husband and I, are grandparents. We have a granddaughter and grandson. Our granddaughter is six, but our grandson is only four month old.