When you first meet Maria, one thing is obvious – she’s a proud mom and grandmother. She lives in just outside Quetzaltenango in La Esperanza, where the land space is enough for farming and to raise chickens. Her recently constructed Habitat home brings her a joy and a peace of mind she could not have known just a few short months earlier. Just this year, Maria’s eldest son lost his wife. Having a home through Habitat meant Maria could leave her work as a daily market vendor and go to the countryside to take care of her 2 grandchildren while her son mourned his recent loss and continued working to provide for his family. Just a few short months earlier, the high cost of her rent would not have allowed her this option or easily would have caused a financial hardship.

Two months later, Maria is back to her sense of normalcy. You can see the affection from her daughter, who is happy to have her back home. In her new Habitat home, Maria is relaxed and says she can sleep much more peacefully. There is less traffic, less noise and she no longer has a high rent. She continues to work hard and enjoys a better quality of life where her family can be her foremost priority.

Maria credits the volunteers who came to help with building her home – “it was a very beautiful experience because (the volunteers) worked a lot. I was sad when they left, because we shared a lot. They worked here and helped, especially with the columns.” “I shared a bit of refreshments and food but they did not accept it because they wanted to be considerate—but the last day with my children we shared in a meal together.” Maria says sharing this meal was her favorite part of the experience. They blessed me so much that I wanted to bless them.

“Thank you so much for your help” Maria says, “for the support that you gave us when you came, because of your help the house was built quickly.” We are so grateful.

Nicolasa lives with her husband Celso,  Jorge (6), Celso (10) and Julieta (18) in a small community in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá.   While Celso works in the fields, doña Nicolasa takes care of the home and weaves textiles to have an extra income.

By partnering with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, Nicolasa and her family now have their own smokeless stove, sanitary latrine, and water filter. Before, the family did not have adequate sanitation and access to potable water.

Nicolasa used to cook on an small stove that was in bad shape and old, “it was hard to cook because it took a lot of time to heat and I had to use a lot of wood,” explains Nicolasa, “the new one does not need a lot of wood and it heats really quick, it is big and I can cook all my meals at the same time, I feel really happy with it!” Regarding their latrine, Nicolasa explains that the old one was in bad conditions and really old. “All my family is really happy with the new one, it is more private and comfortable,” she says.

In most communities in rural Guatemala, access to potable water is limited. That is why the water filter has made a big impact in their lives too, it has lowered gastrointestinal diseases in their children and now they can drink from the filter whenever they want. “We used to drink water directly from the sink before, now from the filter it has a different flavor and it is safer.”

Nicolasa remembers all the good times spent with the volunteers! “We had a good time, we shared lunch together, they were happy, as I said to them, even though my house is small it is open for all of you”, she continues; “I hope that everyone is doing great, I am forever grateful with all of you, I will always carry you in my heart.”