HOMEOWNER STORY – RUTH GISEMBA, 1021

Ruth Kwamboka Gisemba is a Habitat for Humanity homeowner of house number 1021 and comes from our Nyamemiso Affiliate in Kisii.

“Like an old rugged cloth, my life was in a mess before I owned a HFH house.  My old house was in a horrible situation; I kept on moving beds here and there during the rainy seasons because the roof was leaky.  My family of two kids and I were not in a safe place health wise.  Even our neighbours were very merciful to my situation.

After all these miseries, I decided to join a HFH group in my affiliate, Nyamemiso. Collecting materials and looking for down payment was a big challenge, but I managed from the little money I was earning as a pre-school teacher.

My spouse and I managed to build my new house in one month.  My family is now comfortable in our new house, and my neighbours are eager to get a house like mine from Habitat.  With the few shillings am earning, I have tried to pay my mortgage since 2003 December.  Our health has greatly improved; fetching water is now not a burden and home maintenance is cheap and easy compared to our old house.

We are very comfortable in our new house, and I have actually been selected as the secretary of Nyamemiso Affiliate. I have developed my faith especially after attending Habitat workshops.  Owning a simple, decent, and affordable house has made our marriage stronger.  My elder daughter is now in form one and is enjoying her education while proud of the Habitat house.  My wife is enjoying life while we look forward to finishing our repayments.  We were always separated by quarrels but the love that we saw through the Habitat house stopped our quarrels.

Habitat has become a blessing to the needy and I can only say that let it continue its purpose and preach the love of Christ.  Let the donors be cheered up and continue to donate and give support when needed while knowing they are lending to the Lord.