¡CUIDADO! The Constru Casa experience may change your life forever.

I did not go into my “service trip” wanting to do work FOR others, I wanted to do work WITH others and that is just what I got from Constru Casa. Building hand in hand with the soon-to-be owners of the new home gave me a feeling of connectedness that I had never experienced before. Within one week I not only helped to build a home but just as importantly I had built relationships that have strengthened my personal foundation.
The people from the village I worked in have taught me something that a book never could: the importance and joy of connectedness. The society in which I live can be very disconnected; the iPods, text messaging, emails, social websites, and cell phones only limit one’s true connection with others. By “disconnecting” from these distractions I was able to connect with people in a new way. As I walked down the street, community members greeted me with smiles and “Hola, buenos dias or buenas tardes.” People did not avert their eyes or pretend that they were busy. Unlike my town, where people walk with their eyes on their cell phones and concentration on the sound coming from their headphones, the people of my host-village were connected with each other and with the Constru Casa Organization. This was an integral part of my fantastic experience!

Sincerely with heart and soul,
Brooke Adams
University Student from St. Louis, Missouri, USA

The reconstruction work following tropical storm Agatha is underway to rebuild the lives of thousands of Guatemalan families who lost their homes and possessions. Even before this natural disaster struck Guatemala at the end of May, the housing situation faced by the people of Guatemala was horrendous, with more than half the population living in unsuitable and unhealthy conditions.

Constru Casa is already working with these families and this month will be constructing a home for the family of Julio and Luisa Itzep, who live in the small community of Xix (pronounced ‘sheesh’) in the northern department of Quiche. This beautiful part of Guatemala, like so many areas in the country was hit extremely hard by the recent landslides and flooding. Thousands live in fear of what devastation the next tropical storm or hurricane may bring.

Julio and Luisa live with their six children, Silverio (18 years old), Catarina (17), Victor (15), Petronila (13), Sabina (11), Jose (4) and Juana (15) who is Julio’s niece, but was adopted by the family.

Their current house – like so many in Guatemala – consists of materials that they could lay their hands on: a corrugated metal roof, wooden walls, and an earth floor. Unfortunately, these homes allow the cold and rain to enter, and consequently Julio’s children would get extremely ill. The conditions that the family is forced to endure are very basic, with the house having no drainage, no proper toilet, stove or electricity.

Julio and his family are striving hard to improve their situation, especially with the support of our partner social organization, APRODEFI. Julio works long hours as a shopkeeper/tradesman, which brings in 800 Quetzales per month – roughly $100 – but the families outgoings virtually match what he earns. Julio’s income does fortunately allow his children to attend the local school, but life is certainly a struggle.

A new, dry and secure home, made from concrete blocks will act as the perfect catalyst to help Julio’s family develop in a number of areas, such as health, education, hygiene and self-esteem. We look forward to bringing you more news regarding the family and their new home.