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.”

Doña Alian lives with her husband Rubenson, their children Dylan (7), Kendra (3) and her mother Francisca in a small community in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá. Rubenson works in a hospital, while Alian takes care of their children and home.

By partnering with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, Alain 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.  Alain used to cook on an open flame stove, “there was a lot of smoke and it was hard for me to cook on the old stove,” she continues, “sometimes when we had dinner and went to bed but small pieces of wood kept burning and the smoke made it uncomfortable to sleep.”

When asked about her new stove, Alain explains: “I feel happy, the stove is working great! It saves wood and it is really big, I can cook everything in there.” About their latrine, Alain explains that the old one was in bad condition, the new stove “is more safe for my children and healthy!” she says.

In most communities in rural Guatemala, the 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.

Alain remembers all the good times spent with the volunteers! “We shared with all of them, they worked really hard as a team, we shared lunch together and were really fun too”, she continues: “I pray to God every day for all of you, may God bless you and thank you for supporting us.”

 

Sonia lives with her husband José Luis, Delmy (26) and a grandson Juan Anthony (13) in the outskirts of San Pedro las Huertas, Sacatepéquez.  Don José Luis works as a blacksmith in San Pedro, Delmy works in Guatemala City and Sonia stays home taking care of the chores and Juan Anthony.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive a Healthy Home Kit that consists of a smokeless stove, sanitary latrine and a water filter. Sonia used to cook over an open flame, causing her to have red eyes and respiratory diseases. Furthermore the family did not have access to proper sanitation or safe drinking water.

“I feel very happy with my stove, it works very well and saves wood too!” she continues explaining about their latrine, “when we moved here, we built our own latrine but it was in bad shape, it was not well built, and I was scared that someone would fall in it. Now it is completely different, because it is new and clean!” When asked about how the family feels about their water filter, Sonia smiles and answers;  “Excellent excellent! It is working perfectly and most important, the water that we are drinking it is clean and safe to drink now!”

To the team that made this project possible, Sonia wants to say; “I am very grateful to all for their support, this kit is a huge blessing. I admire everyone that helps others. May God multiply all that you are giving.”

Doña Carmen, lives with her husband José, and their two children, Selvin (16) and Wendy (12), in a small house in the outskirts of San Pedro las Huertas, Sacatepéquez. José works as a taxi driver in Guatemala City while Carmen owns a small tortilla shop in their home.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala, Carmen used to cook over an open flame (where she used to prepare the tortillas she sold) and did not have access to proper sanitation or safe drinking water.

“When a friend came to my house and told me about this project, I was very excited, because I have been wanting my stove and proper sanitation for a long time!” says Carmen.  When asked about how she feels with her new stove Carmen answers: “I feel very happy,” she explains that her tortilla business is now growing thanks to her new stove.

As part of the Healthy Home Kit, the family also received a sanitary latrine and a water filter. Before receiving their latrine, the family did not have adequate sanitation and therefore had the need to practice open defecation.  “This solution has made a big change in their lives, Carmen explains: “For me this latrine means a lot, it was a big help.”

Regarding the water filter, she says, “The water filter has helped us stop getting sick. Before we drank contaminated water that made us sick and it was dirty because of the dust too,” she continues, “now it is pure and clean.”

To the team that made this project possible doña Carmen wants to say;  “I am very thankful to all who have helped us. I feel really happy with my kit! I invite you to continue with your support to all the people in need.”