One Man's Gift Leads to Another Man's Freedom!

One Man's Gift Leads to Another Man's Freedom!

I drove with our local Director for 3+ hours into the jungles of Northern Jinotega. It was raining the day before and the roads were muddy and bumpy. Coffee season was in full swing and as we drove through the jungle, men, women, children and their horses were coming in from the coffee fields with their 100 lbs. bags of coffee beans. To reach the new home in the rural village of Las Penitas, we had to drive up a one-way back road that boasted very deep potholes, and dips that knocked me out of my seat. I held on to the handlebar in the truck's front cab and tightened my seatbelt a little more. We pulled off the road then hiked into the jungle for another 1/4 mile until we came onto a lone brick house.

This home belonged to Alejandro Martinez, his wife and four children. John Choate, a generous supporter of Esperança and owner of a home building company, visited our project last year. He saw the incredible need for quality housing and committed to helping us construct several homes. Unanimously, hundreds of Nicaraguan Esperanca volunteers chose Alejandro Martinez and his family to receive the first home due to his many years serving as a volunteer, and educating local families about how to live healthier.

Alejandro and family were living in a single room in the home of his boss, a coffee plantation owner. His boss allowed Alejandro and his family to stay for free as long as Alejandro worked on his plantation. Unfortunately, with this type of arrangement, Alejandro's family lived as modern day slaves. The owner dictated Alejandro's hours, wages, and wouldn't allow him or his family to work or leave the property without permission. For many years, Alejandro did what he had to do to provide for his family, knowing that at any time, his boss could become upset and throw them out on the streets.

The one bedroom where Alejandro and his family lived.

When Esperanca staff approached Alejandro about being chosen for a new home, Alejandro felt like he had a chance for freedom. He vowed to do anything necessary to build a home for his family. His father-in-law donated a small plot of land, his brother donated a tree, and he spent endless hours making his own block and building his new home. Despite some setbacks with the rainy season, he completed his home in just 2 months.

Alejandro making cement block by hand to construct his new house.

His home is well-built, large enough for his family, and sits on a one-acre paradise with a river just a few feet away. His home is the only one in the area to have a stucco tiled roof which will last him for decades. He's now working on starting his own mini-coffee farm. With his new trade of block-making, he is also able to earn an income making block for local businesses and homes. With tears of joy, Alejandro and his family expressed thanks and gratitude for their new home.

Alejandro with his family at their new home.

For Alejandro, he wasn't just given a new house, but a new chance at life.

Your continued support can make all the difference in the lives of those we serve!

In Good Health,

Christina Araiza,
Program Director