Elmer Saúl Méndez – Open Team – Jean Kurtenbach

Elmer, his wife, Elsa and her children, Wendy (30) Allan (22), and Enohías (25), are now living in their new Habitat home in Sacatepéquez. Elmer works as a transit police, while María takes care of the house chores. Wendy, works in Guatemala city and travels every day. Allan is an electrician and works as a carpenter. Enohías is living in their old house (which is next to the new one) with his wife, and their two boys.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala, the family used to live in the house that is located next to the new one. “we were living next door, but it was very small. Before building in here, this used to be our kitchen, we had to tear it down and build the new one.  The old house was very small and there was not enough room for all of us anymore.”

Elmer explains they learned about Habitat Guatemala’s programs through a presentation that the promoter gave at their work. After doing some research, they decided it was time to invest in a space of their own. “we were very interested since the beginning, because we needed to extend the house, to have more space for everybody,” he mentions.

When asked how they feel with their new home, Elmer answers, “First of all I give thanks to God. Now we all feel more calm and happy, everyone has their own room,” he continues, “We just waited for the inauguration ceremony with the affiliate and started moving all our stuff that same day.”

Elmer says that what they enjoy the most in their house is tranquility. “Sometimes we are resting in the porch and my wife says that she still cannot believe that we have our own space now, after waiting so long,” he continues, “we have an inside bathroom, so all of us can shower with warm water, before all the men in the house had to shower outside.”

When asked about the time shared with the volunteers Elmer recalls, “All the volunteers were hard workers! They helped us a lot to advance in the process of building our home quickly,” he continues, “it was a great time, we enjoyed our time together, made jokes and played a lot with my grandchildren.”

“Thank you all for your support! May God bless you, and help you continue with this labor. Not everybody does this kind of work and we were lucky enough to receive you here,” he continues, “I hope you feel as satisfied as I do, because you were a part of this dream being fulfilled.”