“Our lives have changed enormously since our arrival in this country seventeen years ago. We arrived with a suitcase full of dreams and hopes for a chance to rebuild our life. One of our goals was to acquire a home of our own. A goal that seemed so impossible at that time since we did not have resources,  five mouths to feed and a single source of income. However, Habitat for Humanity appeared giving us hope that homeownership in the states was a possibility for my family.

Moving forward 17 years. We have been owners for many years and are happily enjoying our home. It is very comfortable, cozy and beautiful to us, where we have had the opportunity to cherish many great moments. Habitat for Humanity gave us the chance to be owners and concentrate our attention on the educating our children, and ourselves while we learned English and adapted to our new lives in the states.

I am very proud of where we are. I have had the opportunity to serve as a Spanish Teacher teaching others about the incredible contributions of the Spanish Language and culture to students at Hickory and Career Magnet School. My husband had the Opportunity to graduate from the Upholstery Academy at CVCC. My oldest son Juan Esteban is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Educational Leadership program at Appalachian State University completing his dissertation on the Strengths that Latinx Parents exhibit in educational spaces. My son Alexander gave me the blessing of being the grandmother of a handsome boy who today is 11 years old, Elija Alexander and my youngest son Santiago today is studying International Business as a sophomore at UNC Charlotte.

Thanks to the Hickory Habitat for Humanity Team for giving us the opportunity of homeownership. Your impressive team guided us through the program and welcomed us to our new life in the United States. We are forever indebted for your kindness and support. We extend our gratitude to the boots on the grounds- volunteers for making it happen.

Thank you for a chance to live in a safe, and peaceful environment. Our seeds are blooming.

Yolima Escobar
Habitat Catawba Valley Homeowner