House #1

   We called it House #1, a number, but there are real people behind that number.  Real names, real faces, real stories & real hopes.
   Yesterday we had the privilege of working together with many El Salvador men and women to build House #1 for Gil (pronounced Hill) Rosalio Ardona and Ziola Ensparanze Lopez Argueta.  They have 3 children: Josue Eli (17), Anderson Isaac (8), and Santiago Ismaal (2).
   Gil (45) grew up in the area of San Phillipe, but moved to San Salvadore at 16.  He joined the armay and faught in the civil was for 5 years.  One day his sqaudron of 7 men were attacked and he was on of only 2 men to survive.  But this was not without sever injuries. His arms, face and scalp were hit with shrapnel from the bomb and he remains heavily scarred.  Upn release from the hospital, he was discharged from the army and he became certified in veterinary science.  However, his injuries inhibited him from working in the field.  He returned to the village of Santa Tecula to try to find work.  It was there that he met Ziola Ensparanza.  
   Ziola (29) grew up in the area of Santa Tecula.  She met Gil when he came around asking for food (as he had no family in the area).  He started coming around often and he eventually asked her father for permission to marry Zoila.
   Gil and Zoila have been together for 10 years, though they are not married. It s very expensive to get married and many need that money for food.  Gil and Zoila moved to San Phillipe about 3 years ago, to live with his mother.  Gil farms about half a hectare that he rents, and their 2 older children go to school.
   The reality of many in El Salvador, which is tre of Gil and Zoila, is that they make just enough money to feed and clothe their family.  Purchasing the materials and building a new home is just not an option they have.  Gil and Zoila are very pragmatic about this reaity and recognize that despite his hard work a new home is out of their reach.  A house means so much to them - security, a dry place during the rains and better life for the family.
   Gil and Zoila expressed that they have a knowledge of God and they know that salvation comes through Christ Jesus.  But they don´t go to church often.  The struggles of life and the trials for survival make it challenging to go to church.  Despite the struggles and hardships he has had, Gil was able to reflect on the good things that has happened to him; his partner Zoila, his children and now his new home. 
   What a privilege it was for us to work together with Gil, Zoila and many others from the community to uild House #1 for them.  Though it was not easy to put into words, the gratitude and joy was so evident in their expressions.
   Please keep Gil, Zoila and their family in your prayers. Pray that Gods gift of this new house will strengthen the family unit and enable them to find the time to go to church.  Also, pray that their knowledge of God and His gift of salvation will be translated into a personal relationship.