Maria Olivia has developed severe swelling in her legs. The doctors prescribed medicine for her that she was taking but it didn’t seem to be working, so she stopped taking it since it was a waste of money, something they don’t have to waste. Her doctor has since prescribed something different which works better but it costs about $40 per month, which they don’t always have.  Maria Margarita has been having severe migraines and many times lately when we have come to see them, she has been laying down trying to get some rest. She recently discovered that it might be from her poor eyesight and has been trying to get the right prescription through glasses donations because they cannot afford to pay for an eye exam and new prescription.  Overall, their monthly medical costs are about $100/month between their medicines and doctor visits.  Because Maria Olivia cannot walk very well, her sister is usually the one taking care of the errands that need to be run. They aren’t even really able to go to church just a few doors down anymore because of how difficult it is for them. But, they wouldn’t bother us with asking for a ride or help!  Maria Olivia just recently has been having more sever health issues that have left her in bed for days at a time.  The doctor has been coming to give her medicine via injections which give her a couple days of reprieve until she cannot get up again.  Her sister is very concerned about her.

Recently, the Marias learned that the man who owns the land where they live and make a living will be selling it and they along with their neighbors will be required to move at an undetermined date. We were quite upset that this was happening to these quiet, loving women and began to pray for a solution and not too long afterwards we learned of a generous man who was willing to help. An engineer who owns some land across the street heard of their situation and decided to build a house and new tienda for them to move into and use! All of the materials and labor are being donated for them. We learned that the engineer will only be able to supply and build the main structures of the buildings.  We just had a team go down and spend a week working on the house by finishing the roof, waterproofing the exterior, installing security bars for the windows, a main door, shelving for the tienda, and a concrete block wall.  Below are some pictures but you can click this link to see the video!

After the team left, Maria Marguerite was telling us how much of an impact it was for the community to see us working on their house.  She told her inquiring neighbors that the gringos came in and helped since the engineer who promised to finish the house didn’t follow through on his promise.  It was strange to those in the neighborhood to see a random group of foreigners to come in and help these two helpless women.  When asked if the Marias were paying for us to work, she said, “No, they are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts and to serve God!”