This past month, despite the various restrictions due to the COVID 19 pandemic that the government is enforcing to control widespread infection, the Perez family was able to move into their new home! In February, Pedro found a place for the family to move into, but it needed some work first. The owners live somewhere else and have been looking to rent out this home. They were able to employ a friend to do the work and the owner paid for the work and the materials. The owners are happy they have someone they feel they can trust caring for their land. We haven’t been able to get pictures of their new place yet, but once we do, we will be sure to share them with you.

Because of restricted travel (public transportation has been shut down since May), Pedro has not been able to work in the produce packing plant where he was traveling to in the city. Juanita was working to make tortillas with another woman but it’s very hard work for very little pay. She was recently hired at a local mini-factory making handbags to export. Unfortunately, this past week one of the employees was confirmed to have COVID, so the factory shut down for at least the next 2 weeks and Juanita needs to remain in quarantine until they make sure she has no symptoms. She has been, as time has allowed, making jewelry! We will be helping her with supplies that were left behind by a team that came last year and did a jewelry making class for Mother’s Day. This should help her with materials, but since the economy is suffering right now, she worries she won’t be able to sell much because jewelry isn’t much of a “necessity” right now.

Jacinto has been working at an electronics store and since most places have shut down, he has been able to continue working online to help fulfill orders and provide customer service. We learned, however, that he also recently just got laid off as business has been too slow for the company. He did find some other work at night but he is only making about Q40 (about $5) a day once he pays for his transportation.

Please continue to pray for the Perez family as they fight to find work and work together as they settle into their new home.