Ofelia lives with her husband, Jesús, and their children, Stefany (15), Brian (11), and Jonathan (8) in a small community near Lake Atitlán, Sololá. While Jesús works as a debt collector, Ofelia takes care of the children and the household chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s smokeless stove program, families receive a stove, to help them improve their health by giving them a smoke free environment.

Ofelia explains; “I used to cook over an open-flame stove for ten years. That is why you can see the entire ceiling and walls are tainted black. Because the smoke stayed inside,” she continues, “When I found out about this project, I applied to receive a better stove. Now, you can see that there is no more smoke inside! My new stove is working great, it is easier to cook here.”

She feels satisfied with her new stove; “No more red eyes! It lights up fast, and it gives me enough space to cook all of my dishes. And it consumes less wood, I do not have to buy wood so often.”  When asked what she enjoys cooking the most on her new stove, she smiles and answers: “I cook everything! Beans, rice and eggs, tortillas every day.”

Ofelia refers to her time with the volunteers; “They worked hard and really fast, we shared lunch together. We felt very happy to spend time with them,” she continues, “Thank you all for your support in building my stove. We are happy with our stove. May God bless you.”

Roxana lives with her husband, Edgar, and their four children, Greily (15), Linda (14), Astrid (12) and Edgar (7), in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá.  While Edgar works in the fields, Roxana takes care of the children.

Roxana found out about Habitat Guatemala’s sanitary latrines project through a local committee member, that explained the process to them. Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive the family’s sanitary latrine, the family had been using a toilet given to them by the government. The problem is that the community where they live does not have constant running water; they receive water every four days. Therefore, the family cannot use the latrine on a regular basis. Roxana explains, “We could not use the old toilet often because of the water problems we have here. With the new latrine is completely different, I feel calm and happy with it.”

Regarding the time spent with the volunteers, she shares,  “All of the volunteers were really fun and kind, we had a great time together.  All of my family sends greetings to you. Thank you all for your support. May God bless you.”

Marcela lives with her husband Valerio, and their three children, Gladys (30), Imelda (14) and her granddaughter, Angelica 89) in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá. While Valerio works in the fields, Marcela takes care of the household chores.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive the family’s sanitary latrine, the family had been using one that was in poor conditions for almost ten years, “When it rained, the latrine flooded,” she continues, “When my husband found out about this project, we decided to apply.” Marcela is happy with new her sanitary latrine, “The new one is better, it is more private and in better conditions.”

She finishes by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Tiox! Thank you all for your support in building our latrine. May God bless you and your families.”  – Marcela.

Marta lives with her husband, Víctor, and their five children, Elvia (9), Roselda (7), Lisbeth (5), Andrés (4) and Marcos (2) in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá. While Víctor works in agriculture, Marta takes care of the children and the household chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter, to help them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment.

“I used to cook on an older stove that was broken for almost ten years . Because it was broken, the smoke stayed inside the kitchen, causing me and my family to suffer from respiratory diseases.” She continues, “The new one is very pretty and working great! It is big and has enough room to cook all of my dishes at once. Also, I have been able to save wood.” Marta has felt a difference in their health; no more eye irritation because the smoke no longer stays inside the kitchen.

Before receiving their new latrine, she explains that they had to share one with three other families, “Now, it is more comfortable, because we have our own, we do not have to wait to use it. ” The family has also felt a difference with their water filter. Before they drank water directly from the sink, causing the children pain from intestinal diseases. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter. “We are happy with our three products, and we are using them to improve our quality of life,” says Marta.

Edith refers to her time with the volunteers; “All of them where very kind,” she continues, “Thank you all for your support! May God bless you. We send our greetings to you.”