Alva Luz Davila, pastor’s wife

Alva has been a member of the group for one year. She says, ‘What I like is that, through saving, I can set goals and have dreams for the year,
because I can take the money out at the end of the year. Last year I bought the children shoes and school supplies. this year I am saving for the childrens’ graduations. Alva has 4 sons, two of whom are twins.

Silvia Johanna: Silvia participates in the Small Animal program, which works like this: a family or individual receives a pig, goat, rabbits, or chickens. When the animal reproduces, one of its progeny is passed to another family, or a pair, in the case of rabbits and chickens. Silvia sold 8 piglets from the first litter. There were 11 piglets in the second litter, and 13 in the third. Clearly the animals are well cared for! Her daughter helps her take care of the pigs.Silvia has been a member of the group for 3 years. ‘There are always needs,’ she says, ‘This group is a blessing because I can count on the savings. I’ve bought things for my home, and I got a tricycle because I sell vegetables, and with the tricycle I can travel further, and carry more vegetables in the cargo carrier on the front. My goals are 1, knowing God who helps me, and 2, buy a motorcycle for my
daughter.’

Raquel Antonia Gonzales:Raquel is a new member. She says, ‘I’m having a baby next month, so I’m just saving for the baby.

Maria Estela Garcia:Maria has been a member of the savings group for 1 year, and says she started off well.’I went
to all the meetings until May, but then, with cancer, I couldn’t come. But I did manage to pay off 2 loans, with the help of God. And I’d really like to be able to get a sewing machine. I appreciate the solidarity of being in the group with all of us saving: I’ve got to know people. I’d like to be able to buy a sewing machine.’

Jaquelin, Maria’s daughter:Jaquelin has been a member for 1 year.
‘I’ve paid off some loans, and then used money to pay for my childrens’school expenses, school events etc.’

Elena Reyes: ‘I’ve been a member of Women of CHE for years, and a member of the Savings Group for 4 or 5 years. With Women of CHE I was sharing the work with the other women, visiting people in their
homes, and we cleaned the streets. Now, with the Savings Group, I’ve started a little shop, so I’m getting on, little by little. My daughter saw how I was doing, so she joined the group, and then my son joined! It was because they saw what I was doing. Elena and her son attend a church in El Limonal.

Claudia Herrera:Claudia has been a member of the Savings Group for 3 years. ‘It has brought me many blessings!’ Claudia has 5 children, and drives a bicycle taxi. ‘My first year with the group I saved for my childrens’ school promotions, my second, I bought clothes for my children, and this year I’m going to get some wood to repair the house. I enjoy the meetings a lot because everyone gets along, and I like the talks people give,’