Ana María lives with her husband José and their daughter Glenda. While José is working in the fields, Ana María takes care of their house and daughter.

Ana María explains how partnering with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala to implement a smokeless stove has improved aspects of her family’s daily life: “I used to cook on the floor on an open fire stove. There was a lot of smoke and it used to make my throat hurt, but my new stove doesn’t have this problem. We also use much less wood now.”

Ana Maria finishes by sharing what it was like to have volunteers support her family: “It was such a help, such a support. They helped build the stove. It was lovely to have them; they spent time with us and were very funny. May God bless you all, and we wish you a Merry Christmas!”

Esvin and three of his brothers are living in their new Habitat home. He is 21 years old and works at a tailor’s shop making clothes. Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build his home, Esvin used to live with his parents and siblings in a small house. Then, he decided to start looking for a place of his own.

He found out about Habitat through his brother that also has a house with us, and decided it was time to get a home of his own and to share it with his other brothers. “As a child I always dreamt of having my own house. Now, it is a reality because of the support of Habitat,” says Esvin.

Esvin reflects on his house: “I feel really happy with my house, thanks to God and the support of Habitat,” he continues, “I would like to paint it and add a big garden. I like sleeping in my own room. Here, there is no noise of my niece and nephew (pictured below).”

“We had a really good time building with the volunteers, they had a lot of energy and worked really hard,” he says. “Thank you very much for your help,  we were able to build it even faster and now it is really pretty. I may not have enough money to pay you back, but I am forever grateful to you.”

María lives with her husband Pedro and her in-laws in a small community in Sololá, Guatemala. While María’s husband works in agriculture, she weaves and takes care of the home.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit program, María and her family were able to build a new smokeless stove. “I used to cook on the floor, over an open fire. The smoke was really bad and made me sick. With my new stove I feel much happier, it is easier to cook, and saves a lot of wood too, so I do not have to buy so much,” says María about her new smokeless stove.

As a message to the volunteer she says: “Thank you for your support, we are living better now. I invite you to keep on working with more communities in need.”

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.”