God will continue to bless us all richly!" |
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Dieudonne and Martine decided to leave their neighborhood called Lemba in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Job instability due to decades of conflict and war forced them to go. In DRC, they lived near the large lake formed by the Congo River called Malebo Pool which was a favorite place filled with many varieties of catfish and freshwater mussels. The family enjoyed taking walks there and meeting up with family and friends to hear loud, rhythmic music and enjoy the day outside.
Dieudonne expresses a satisfaction that he is learning about home maintenance in our classes at Kirkwood Community College each month. Now he will have the opportunity, along with the skills and knowledge, to provide a home without everyday misery for his family. He is pleased that they also continue to become more self-reliant by learning about finances and saving as they prepare to build their home. They are grateful to find peace and freedom in Iowa.
Dieudonne and Martine want to provide long term stability for their family in a home which is an appropriate size. Martine is very happy that she will be able to host many friends in a larger kitchen and dining space and the children will have more room to study as they grow. Martine has now realized her strong desire to be a woman working outside of the home, which is not culturally feasible in DRC. She has begun her first employment as a sales associate at a retail store in Iowa City.
They have three children, Antoine, Theresa, and after they were accepted into the Habitat Homeownership Program, Charlaine was born. The welcoming family readily invites many friends into their apartment, which creates a joyful and harmonious atmosphere amidst all of the activity including cooking and conversation.
Antoine, the firstborn son who is now 8 years old, enjoys mathematics and basketball. He recalls his homeland as a place filled with brilliant colors and lively music, as Congo’s popular music is renowned throughout Africa and the world. Antoine has lots of memories of close friendships in DRC. He recalls in detail the labyrinth of homes, all connected together, where his friends would run and play all day long in the network of hallways. He remains a very popular young man with more than a handful of friends dropping by to see him while we met in the two bedroom apartment which this family of five is currently renting.
Theresa is two years old. She is energetic and curious. Often she plays until she must have a nap and quickly falls asleep. She loves her daddy and often finds comfort in his strong arms. She is playful and mischievous with a deep respect for her parents.
The family endures health problems and Dieudonne and Martine are concerned about their safety after making a complaint to the police about a neighbor. Martine confided in a friend about her sadness, feeling like her family does not fit in with some of the others renting at the apartment complex.The friend told them they should apply for the Homeownership Program and build a home with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.
The family is ready to stay in one place and develop the future they have always aspired to. Dieudonne describes the Habitat homeowner program as an awesome way to elevate humanity. He encourages everyone to stay involved and continue the mission of building safe shelter. He excitedly exclaims, “God will continue to bless us all richly.”
Dieudonne expresses a satisfaction that he is learning about home maintenance in our classes at Kirkwood Community College each month. Now he will have the opportunity, along with the skills and knowledge, to provide a home without everyday misery for his family. He is pleased that they also continue to become more self-reliant by learning about finances and saving as they prepare to build their home. They are grateful to find peace and freedom in Iowa.
Dieudonne and Martine want to provide long term stability for their family in a home which is an appropriate size. Martine is very happy that she will be able to host many friends in a larger kitchen and dining space and the children will have more room to study as they grow. Martine has now realized her strong desire to be a woman working outside of the home, which is not culturally feasible in DRC. She has begun her first employment as a sales associate at a retail store in Iowa City.
They have three children, Antoine, Theresa, and after they were accepted into the Habitat Homeownership Program, Charlaine was born. The welcoming family readily invites many friends into their apartment, which creates a joyful and harmonious atmosphere amidst all of the activity including cooking and conversation.
Antoine, the firstborn son who is now 8 years old, enjoys mathematics and basketball. He recalls his homeland as a place filled with brilliant colors and lively music, as Congo’s popular music is renowned throughout Africa and the world. Antoine has lots of memories of close friendships in DRC. He recalls in detail the labyrinth of homes, all connected together, where his friends would run and play all day long in the network of hallways. He remains a very popular young man with more than a handful of friends dropping by to see him while we met in the two bedroom apartment which this family of five is currently renting.
Theresa is two years old. She is energetic and curious. Often she plays until she must have a nap and quickly falls asleep. She loves her daddy and often finds comfort in his strong arms. She is playful and mischievous with a deep respect for her parents.
The family endures health problems and Dieudonne and Martine are concerned about their safety after making a complaint to the police about a neighbor. Martine confided in a friend about her sadness, feeling like her family does not fit in with some of the others renting at the apartment complex.The friend told them they should apply for the Homeownership Program and build a home with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.
The family is ready to stay in one place and develop the future they have always aspired to. Dieudonne describes the Habitat homeowner program as an awesome way to elevate humanity. He encourages everyone to stay involved and continue the mission of building safe shelter. He excitedly exclaims, “God will continue to bless us all richly.”
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