Home.
Everyone has a different definition for it.
For some it’s a physical place.
For others it means a place you belong.
A place where you are known fully.
A place where you can be yourself.
A place of safety and refuge.
A place where good memories are built.
For some it’s all of those things.
Unfortunately for others, it’s none of those things.
Maria grew up in places where ‘home’ was anything but safe. Mom was often gone, just trying to make ends meat. Maria never knew her father. Her mother once said he walked out the day she found out she was pregnant. Then she never mentioned him again.
While Maria’s mom did the best she could, never having the opportunity to study herself, she worked any odd jobs she could find to help support them. Some nights they’d stay with “friends,” most nights though they’d sleep hidden in a nearby field. There, Maria would lay her head across her mothers legs as she’d drift off to sleep listening to her mother tell stories about how one day things would be different. One day they have a real home of their own. Those dreams, they were some of Maria’s favorite memories.
Late one afternoon, while selling small packs of gum on the side of a busy road, a nice man with a big silver vehicle stopped and offered Maria and her mother work and a place to stay. Was this finally the opportunity they had dreamed of? Had their chance finally come, Maria and her mom wondered? Desperate for a chance- they climbed into the vehicle.
Days later, 9 year old Maria found herself living the worst nightmare of her life. “Home” now became a dark room where men would come and go. Eventually though her tears stopped, along with her dreams.
At the age of 11, Maria became pregnant. When they realized she was of no use to them anymore, she was shoved out the door. The bright sunlight pierced her eyes as the tears trickled down her cheeks. Once again, Maria found herself homeless.For weeks Maria survived on whatever food she could find digging through garage cans. Her growing belly aching to be fed.
Maria was rescued and brought to Village of Hope Guatemala where she and her daughter still reside. Over the past 5 years Maria finish elementary school and is continuing onto middle school while training to be a Barista. Her dream is to one day have her own coffee shop where she can share the hope of Jesus to every customer who comes through, she exclaims with joy in her eyes.
As we work to build our new tiny house community for those who will ages out with no where to go – we do so with girls like Maria and her daughter in mind. To Maria this tiny home is a dream come true after all this time.
As Maria and others like her near the age of 18, it is our heart of hearts to create a place where we can continue to walk beside them, setting them up for success and as they get on their feet, preparing for independent living.
If you would like to prayerfully consider giving towards this project we would be forever grateful.
“Therefore, let’s keep on pursuing those things that bring peace and that lead to building up one another.” -Romans 14:19
