Encarnación and her husband, Pablo have lived in their home since they first moved in as a couple 40 years ago. All of her children were raised in the house. We met with the couple and the youngest four of her six children, Irene (28), Clara (26), Edwin (20), and Emerson (18) to discuss the Habitat stove that the family received just this past year.

The difference with this stove, Encarnación says is, “there is not any smoke with this new one. Before we cooked with a similar stove” which Encarnación points to sitting closeby “but it does not work.” “I like how quickly things cook with the new stove” she says.

When asked about her favorite thing to cook on the new stove, Encarnación says, “chicken, chicken of all kinds” When asked the same question, a battle of sorts for favorite child takes place between the siblings, “everything, mom makes” says Edwin, trying to vie for first place! “Mom’s fried rice” says Emerson, “chicken fingers” says Irene and traditional “hierba” says Clara. The siblings are adamantly shy, not wanting to be photographed but smiling at seeing their mom take pictures with the family’s new stove and enjoying the experience as equally their own.

Of the volunteers the family said, “we remember all their names” and laughed as they shared about their time together, recounting their experience, “ the group was very kind, and we enjoyed having them,” says Encarnacion, “thank you for all that you did and thank you for this stove.”

We visited the home of Habitat promoter Oscar Eduardo in the town of Panajachel, Solola. When we visited them the excitement was easily felt.

As a Habitat Promoter, Oscar has helped hundreds of families realize their own dreams, while saving towards a dream of his own—having and building his own home someday through the help of Habitat. “I love working with communities to help families improve their quality of life and I feel very happy for the work that I do to help families build stoves, latrines and houses and have better access to clean water. At Habitat, we work with families with the greatest need – I feel very proud to be a part of the work we do and I feel very satisfied to help the Foundation make these changes in the lives of families. “

Now, that the family is moved in Oscar says his favorite part of the experience “was the moment they gave me the keys. The day that I came and got the keys to the home, it was a great feeling, Its something that I do not know if I truly imagined. I knew I always wanted my own home but to have that day actualized its very beautiful.” Prior to his Habitat home, Oscar and his three-year-old daughter, Evelyn, lived with his parents.

When asked why he wanted to build his house Oscar shared, “it’s been my dream to have my own house since I was thirteen years old. At that age, I started learning how to lay blocks and build houses and I decided that a house was something I wanted.” Thirteen years later, Oscar is a proud homeowner and like many families that he has helped through his work, his dream has also been realized.

When he recalls his overall experience, the volunteers came to mind, “They were a very fun group. Everyone always came together and worked very hard. On the day the materials came, the group helped unload it all in one day and I remember how tired everyone was at the end of the day because everyone was so focused and committed to seeing it done well,” he says.

When asked about his plans for the house, Oscar says: “I plan to pay down on the amount of the house and then to put a roof that will cover the pila and wash area.” “My long term, my vision is to add a second level.”

Oscar shares a message for the volunteers: “Thank you to each and every one of you. I am grateful for the entire group and how hard they worked” says Oscar. The work of the group shows, the house is small and beautifully constructed and with final touches in place, it’s clear to understand Oscar’s enthusiasm and pride as a Habitat homeowner.

Jacinta and her two children Paola (18) and Danny (8) live in the village of San Lucia, Solola. Her mother Magdalena lives just next door and was there when we visited.

The family have had their Habitat stove for 6 months now and have enjoyed their experience, “before we used three rocks and a comal (metal grill) for my stove. With this stove I do not use a lot of wood and the smoke leaves” says Jacinta. “Here, I like to make my mischa tamal, my tortillas, frijoles. I use the stove to heat water for us to bathe too and everything takes less time,” she continues; “I have more time to weave and create more pieces to sell.”

Jacinta remembers very well the group of volunteers who came to build her stove. “They were kind, generous, worked peacefully and left happy as well.” She shares this message to the group, “I am grateful for you all because you helped us a lot, we carry you in this house and always talk about the time you were here. I hope that God will bless you and your lives with good health, this is my desire for you.”