House #10

We had the honour of getting to know Pastor (36 years old), Flor de Carmen (27 years old) and their two boys Emerson (7 years old) and Josue (5 years old) and it was an experience I will never forget.

As we asked the family questions about what their life is like, the differences between our lives in Canada and their lives in El Salvador became even more real. We asked them what they do for holidays and they said they didn't have enough money to really celebrate, but at Christmas they make a nice meal and have beans. Pastor is a farmer and the boys go to school. They love God, but their church puts a lot of pressure on women and makes many rules for them, so they don’t go to church as often anymore. In any spare time they have, they like to go to the park as a family.

Pastor and Flor de Carmen are not married because they can’t afford it. They told us that almost no one gets married because of the cost. They would like to get married if they had the money.

When asked about how God has changed their lives, Pastor said something that really amazed me. He said, “I will tell you one thing, I may not have money, but I am the happiest man in the world because I have God, I love my family, and now I have a new home.”

The love the family has for each other was evident in everything they said and did. It was obvious that they are very close. The two boys sat on their fathers lap for the whole interview, and whenever a question was asked, the couple would just glance at each other and seem to know exactly what to say.

They dedicated their lives to God four years ago, and their faith has stayed strong ever since. We asked how we should pray for them,

and their reply was truly humbling. They asked that we pray that they become closer to God, and also that God will protect and provide for us back in Canada.

This family was such a blessing to us and I am truly honoured that I was able to sit and talk with them. Even through all their struggles of poverty, they are one of the most loving, joyful families I have ever met, and I am so glad I was able to be a part of building their new home.

Julia Loewen and Colleen Giesbrecht