Community Testimony: Sandra Cristina Palacio Aroztegui
Sandra, 36, has been living in the rural community of El Limón for 7 years. She used to live in Sisle, another community GB runs medical brigades in. Sandra runs a small store out of her home while her husband, Marvín, works in agriculture. Check out a brief interview below to see how GB has impacted Sandra and her family.
Describe what you do in the community and tell me about your family.
I am a housewife, even though I have no children, I’m very busy taking care of the house, baking bread and running my store. My husband works in agriculture when there are jobs available, but unfortunately, they are not always available. The store has really helped financially, also since I have been able to bake and sell my own bread now too.
How had GB helped you and your family?
Global Brigades has been of great help. We had nowhere to use the restroom before and we got sick a lot because of this. Now we have a latrine and a lot less stomach illnesses. We have a private, clean place to shower, somewhere to wash clothes and dishes, bake bread in the oven and walk on a cement floor, instead of a dirt one. I’ve also been able to sell bread out of my store now, which has helped us out financially and is something I really enjoy doing. It’s nice to be able to contribute to the financial well being of my husband and I.
Describe the projects GB is working on in your community. Why are they important?
Global Brigades has been constructing sanitary units, cement floors, eco-ovens and houses in our community. All of the community members are pleased with these projects, and we feel more like a tight knit community now. The volunteers are always interested in getting to know my husband and I; the three days are much more than just construction. Even if we can’t communicate that well, I still feel like I’m getting to know them. I love drinking coffee with them.
