Manuela lives with her husband, their three children, Juana (7), Amanda (5) and Tomás (3), and her in-laws. While her husband works in the fields, she takes care of the house and family.

As part of Habitat for Humanity Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit program, Manuela and her family were able to receive a new smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine, and a water filter.

“We used to cook on an old stove that used a lot of wood. The smoke made me sick and hurt my eyes, but with the new one, I feel better and save a lot of wood,” she continues, “we feel happy with the new stove, we have enough space to cook our tortillas, beans, oatmeal, and lots more.” With the water filter, the Zapeta family can drink water when ever they want without having to boil it first. And the latrine has helped them have more privacy.

About the volunteers, Manuela says: “We had a good time while they were here, they played with my children,” she continues, “thank you very much for coming and helping us, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Marcelo is 19 years old and lives in the department of Sololá, Guatemala. Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build his house, he was living with his parents and brother. He grew up in a Habitat home, and after working and saving some money, he decided to build a house of his own with his brother. He wanted to start a life of his own and achieve his goals.

Marcelo explains who he feels with his new house: “I feel very happy and content with my own house and space. I am planning on adding a big garden, a false ceiling, and paint in the future.” He continues: “I like to listen to music in my new room.”

To the volunteers he says: “Thank you all very much for you hard work, we feel really happy you were here. May God bless you.”

Florencia Saso lives with her husband Aurelio and their son Aureliano in a rural community in Sololá, Guatemala.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build a new smokeless stove, she used to cook on an open fire stove on the floor. Cooking that way caused several issues to her health.

Florencia explains how she feels about her new stove: “I feel happy, it has helped me a lot to improve my health,” she continues: “it also saves a lot of wood, now we only have to use one or two pieces of wood.”

She sends a message to the volunteers: “Thank you all for your kind support in building my stove. Now we can cook multiple dishes at a time. Have a Merry Christmas! May God bless you.”