Mom Being Mom and Kids Being Kids.
“Story Is a Part of My Family”
Despite the incredible hardships she has faced, Doña Corina refuses to quit working towards a better life for herself and her family. As a single mother to 8 children, the road ahead is not easy, but she continues to impress us with her resilience and growth.
When Story’s professionals began working with Corina about 5 years ago, the family was in crisis. She didn’t have the means to provide for her kids, most of whom had spent time separated from her in institutional care. She was in an abusive but dependent relationship, was frequently unemployed, and was getting by on charity and the grace of God.
“Poco a poco” (“little by little”) she’s been progressing as she collaborates with our team to pursue the good of her children and family. “Story is a part of my family,” she says. “They talk with me, give me advice… little by little I’m applying [their wisdom].”
What Does Growth Look Like?
From what we described earlier, you probably got a sense that Corina’s circumstances were pretty bleak. The key word here though is “were”.
After being unable to maintain steady work or earn enough to meet even the most basic needs of her family, today Corina has spent 2 years working as a cook in a local hotel, and even works extra hours sometimes to earn a bit more. She actually earns enough to cover all of their rent, which is a major expense in Huehuetenango.
After time in an abusive relationship, Corina is now focused on herself and her kids. In the past they were more like roommates, but as she’s grown in her parenting skills, confidence, and relationship with her children, the dynamic is much healthier and more mature.
After breaking free from an unhealthy dependence on charity and others, Corina is a much more responsible woman, and continues to grow in this area. Instead of buying cheap junk food like before, now she makes an active effort to cook nutritious and tasty food for her kids - something they’re excited to talk about now!
Even in humility she has grown. She has been open to learning, growing, and receiving constructive criticism and support from our team. She allows members of our team to come to her house to offer parenting classes, tutoring support, and even help clean if necessary (8 kids is a lot, after all!).
A Bright Future Ahead
Will Doña Corina still need a lot of support? For awhile, sure - but as her kids continue to grow and become more independent themselves, they’ll be able to work together as a family to cover more and more of their own needs.
Her kids are doing much better in school (several of them are included in the 100% pass rate for students that Story’s team was supporting in 2023!), and Corina recognizes the value in this and hopes they’ll continue down this path.
“[Story’s team] helps them a lot with tutoring. They love being at [Story’s offices],” she says. “What I want most is for them to graduate.”
Corina’s older children are thriving as well - she’s got 4 teens on her hands, which is no easy feat.
She’s been learning to handle the complexities (like dating, for example) of parenting these soon-to-be-adults and their relationship has been improving! Despite the fact that adult responsibilities still fall on them sometimes, they also still get to be kids/teens, which is so important! At times the older kids even choose to be at home with the family, which is a huge growth step for them.
The kids love to talk about their mom, how much she loves them, and how hard she works to provide for them. Relationships are mending, and the family is becoming stronger, happier, and healthier - TOGETHER!
Corina continues learning to parent well, and with that new knowledge and the support of Story and others in the community, her kids are finally getting to be KIDS!
Thanks to people like you who support our work through generous giving and faithful prayer, Corina, her kids, and many others are on the road towards independence, stability, and health.