House #3

We had the opportunity to build a house for a woman whose house had been destroyed during the earthquakes. Although we didn't get the chance to see the destroyed house in person, we did get to see pictures and were blown away. She would not have made it through another winter in that house, and we were so blessed to have the opportunity to help build her a new safe home that will last for years to come.

Her name is Maria Antonia (aka Tanya) and she is 63 years old. She grew up right in San Felipe where we were building her new house. She had a hard life – growing  up in poverty in a poor household with 17 brothers and sisters. She spends her days cooking, cleaning and going to get food and water. She is watched over every day by an 8 year old neighbor boy. One of her favourite things to do is eat beans!

She came to know Christ after a long life of hardships including a random shooting that injured her, while she took care of her 3 kids. She became a Christian last September and attends church regularly in San Felipe. She has 3 children that are all grown up and living on their own. One of her boys died as a baby and she was led to believe that this was because a neighbor had visited a Wizard and had her baby killed to get back at her. It was when she became very ill that she prayed to God to be healed against the Wizards and since then has come to Christ.

She has been praying and waiting for this house for 2 years now. She never gave up hope for a safe home against the dangers of the village, not only for the weather but for the people and animals that live there also. One of the hardest things she has had to face in her life was a bad marriage to her first husband who was not a nice man. One of the best things in her life was when she met her second husband who died 12 years ago.

This was an incredible experience to get to know her and her story and we have been blessed to be part of this incredible blessing from God.

by Becky Morris & Erica Byleveld