Hardworking and studious, Hortencia Mijangos Jacinto (23) and her husband, Mario (33) were made for one another. Mario Works as a Systems Engineer, and Hortencia is currently studying towards a college degree in the same subject. The couple recently married and were eager to find a housing solution that worked for both of them. Between long hours at Mario’s engineering job and Hortencia’s need for a suitable study space, a house that was both quiet and conveniently located became a priority.

Hortencia recalls that there were ups and downs about their previous living situation. “We rented in Teculután for seven months. The house was also a Habitat house, but was more isolated rather than located in a community, like the Colony. We were paying and paying, but we weren’t getting any closer to saving money for our own house. That was really frustrating.”

However, living in a Habitat house before pursuing it own had its benefits. Ultimately, Hortencia and Mario decided to apply for their own, and they have never looked back. Hortencia is happy to note that the biggest changes have helped her manage her studying schedule. “The town is closer, and you can drive between places pretty easily. Although I still have to go towards Zacapa for class, I don’t need to worry about public transportation, because the neighborhood has a bunch of motorcycles that pass by.”

Thanks to quiet space that Habitat volunteers afforded her, Hortencia will be able to achieve her degree within the next year.

Ana Jasmin Rano Peña (20) and her husband, Ereck (26) are expecting their first child together. This morning, between cleaning up her kitchen from breakfast and chatting with us, she is preparing for the latest doctor’s checkup. As she speaks, she rubs her tummy nonchalantly. She smiles when we ask her about the baby. “We’re really looking forward to building a family.”

Before looking into Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, Ana and her husband were cramped for space and were looking to move. “We lived my mom and nephew, in a tiny room. It’s only ten minutes away from the new house, which is great, because we have family close by. But not that close!” laughs Ana. “I wanted the experience of my own house; I had never had one to myself before.”

Ana’s family was the group that introduced her to Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. All of her siblings previously applied for and received sustainable housing solutions in the Zacapa district. When they heard about the positive experiences, Ana and Ereck decided to give it a try.

The experiment has paid off. After living in the Amway Colony for the past nine months, Ana loves living in a close community. “It’s a beautiful experience.” She also loves the changes to her daily routine. “I have more time and can enjoy it, too. I look forward to planting flowers, to arranging the house any way I would like.”

Ana also has kind words for the Amway volunteers who worked on her house:

“The volunteers helped us so much; and they were so much fun! May Habitat continue building dreams, because a dream is a home.”

For a long time, Irma (20) knew that her family would be unable to thrive in a cramped and troublesome space. When asked about how she used to live, she sighs deeply and sounds frustrated. “We were in the same house with my in-laws. It was difficult, because for two years, we didn’t have any privacy or stability. It was one room, nothing more, with all of the beds, stove, tables. Everything. My little boy, Oscarito, couldn’t grow, and he was being picked on. No one wants to live in one room for all of their life.”

With Oscarito already two years old and facing endless trouble with bullying cousins, Irma and her husband, Estiven (22), decided that it was time to find other solutions. Irma suggested that the couple look into her brother’s experience with Habitat. Her face lights up. “His house was so beautiful, and when we saw it, I knew that was what we needed.”

Irma and Estiven applied for a house with Habitat and were approved to build. Since moving into their house a few months ago, Irma has already noted enormous changes, especially with security. “I love this house. There’s privacy, the rooms are bigger. We can cook separately from the beds and don’t have to worry about fire.”

Even more important has been the happiness that she, her husband, and her son have discovered. “My life has changed. I can do more things. This house is easier to take care of. My son is happier because he can be free to play and has the space to do it.”