Barrington Teens Buy Two Houses for Guatemalans Living in Garbage Dumps

Barrington teens, led by Courtney Quigley, raised enough money through Hopes in Style held last month, that they are now able to purchase two houses for poverty stricken families living in Guatemala’s garbage dumps. 

Read: BHS Junior’s Heart is with Poverty Stricken in Guatemala

Here is an update from Courtney:

The fundraiser and trip were both so amazing! We fundraised over $16,000! This is enough for two houses! I went to Guatemala Feb. 27th for five days to serve on a generation advisory. Also it worked out perfectly that the house was finished then as well (they could start construction when we had half of the funds) so we were able to dedicate the house.  

We arrived early to Potter's House the 27th and were assigned to take pictures of the children for the sponsorship program. I was so excited and overjoyed to be reunited with Monica and all my other dear friends at Potter's House. That afternoon we had the house dedication ceremony.

When we arrived to Monica's new house we were greeted by her whole family. Her five siblings, new nephew, mother, aunts, and grandmother. Her mother walked briskly over to me and gave me a huge hug, she was already in tears--and after that, so was I!

We had the opportunity to tell the family about the project. I let them know how inspired everyone in Barrington felt after hearing about their beautiful family. My dad and I (it was the two of us that went) really wanted to emphasize the importance of dreams through this gift. We went around and asked what everyone's dreams were. We decided to talk about this because now the family had a safe, rat-less place to rest and dream at night. Monica's sister, Ely, was crying the whole time saying "I have dreamed of this day for a very long time". The whole experience was such a blessing. I was able to hand over the keys to the mother for the first time and watch her open the door to her new home. She said "because of this I will have the hope to follow my dreams".  

Overall, I just feel SO blessed to be able to serve the Morales-Ardon family in this way. They are remarkable people.  Also, my family will be leading a team down to Potter's House the first week of August to build a home for another amazing family-we already have the money for the house! It is perfect because I will be serving all of July again so my family and whoever joins them, will meet me in Guatemala.