To say Esther radiates joy is an understatement. The day I met her, she received the documents necessary to put her home and the plot around her home in her name. For the first time ever, she is a legal homeowner!

Twenty years ago, she took a chance and applied for our Granadillo 3 housing project. She did not know how she would make her monthly contribution towards her house, but she was determined to raise her children in a dignified home. In fact, she told me “I cannot imagine how someone would not take advantage of this opportunity and find every way possible to make their contributions. This is such a huge blessing!” After years of working in other regions of the country for weeks at a time, she started raising and selling chickens and created other sources of income so that she could be home to raise her children.

Esther’s determination has inspired her children to also follow their dreams. Her oldest son was able to graduate high school with the help of one of our scholarships and is now working. Her daughter is currently attending high school with the help of a scholarship and hopes to help support her mother in the future. She shared, “everything I have is because of (my mom)”. While her youngest has not started school yet, Esther is certain he will ‘become someone’ in the future.

Dozens of other families have seen the fruit of their commitment to their family and to Rainbow Network this year, becoming homeowners just in time for Christmas. Each family has a story filled with hope and challenges, just like Esther’s. All of them are excited to share about their journey – how they put their faith in God and have done whatever was necessary to support their family. Regardless of their path, these families have taken a simple block house and made it into a home that they can be proud of.

To hear Esther’s testimony first-hand, watch here.

Congratulations to all our housing participants who have reached this incredible milestone! We are honored to partner with you!

Megan Herrera, President