Maria Irma Ixcoy Santay is originally from the tiny village of Calawache, on the road from Xela to Retalhuleu. Though most of her family lives in Calawache, she spends her time in Panajachel on beautiful lake Atitlan. Here she rents a humble room where she lives with her four children. During the daytime she works hard selling crafts to tourists for a meager profit. Maria left her husband because he beat her. Since she is away from her family she takes care of her children alone and works full time. Her children go to school but they also work full time while not in class. Since life is tough and Maria has a hard time getting by, she would like to go to the United States to work so she can make a better living for her children. Maria Irma Ixcoy Santay is a very kind and generous person. No matter how hard life is for her, she always gives me a present to bring back to my mother and she won't take no for an answer. It is very heartwarming to see someone with so little, give so much! She is a fantastic example to her children.