In 2013, the community of Miguel Cristiano celebrated the inauguration of their new water system that brought clean, abundant water flowing to 85 homes. For Jaquelin and her daughter, running water was just the beginning. Her family was first introduced to Amigos for Christ through the clean water project, but their story of transformation didn’t end there.
After learning about the importance of good hygiene and sanitation in the prevention of diseases, Jaquelin began to save her resources for a Modern Bathroom. Later that same year, they completed their bathroom. Now, Jaquelin and her daughter are thankful to be parasite-free.
But their story didn’t end at a bathroom. “When I heard that kitchens were being built, I went over to a neighbor’s house and saw her new kitchen. I immediately talked to Community Advocates from Amigos,” Jaquelin remembers. Jaquelin was eager to have a new Clean Air Kitchen so she could cook her famous tortillas and beans for her family and neighbors. She explains proudly, “Now there is no smoke in my kitchen or burning in my eyes. I can make enchiladas in 30 minutes on my stove!”
While visiting Jaquelin, I witnessed the trust that existed between our team and her family. The friendship and love present was so evident. Ligdariana, an Amigos Community Advocate, was so excited as Jaquelin shared that she put her new water faucet in her Clean Air Kitchen.
It is powerful to see how our Community Advocates walk juntos alongside families to help them achieve their goals – and how they are there to celebrate with them when they do. Jaquelin speaks of the tangible change that is evident in their home with the health infrastructure and habit changes they have made.
“Now we don’t have cockroaches, a dirty kitchen, or smoke in the house. We have better habits, and more importantly we are healthy.”Jaquelin
The family’s good health has immeasurably impacted their standard of living, all because Jaquelin decided to continue moving forward and investing in her family’s future. Now, she continues to be a model, inspiring and encouraging others to achieve their dreams just like she did.
