"Christmas last year was very tough. It was not a real Christmas for my three kids; there was no food, decorations, tree or presents. It was a very difficult situation," recalled Isandra.

Financially abandoned by her husband of 12 years Isandra had to rent out her two bedrooms to boarders to keep her apartment. Even with this extra money, and her paycheck from a part-time job as a nurse's aide, she didn't have enough for the rent. Isandra and her children were evicted in the spring.

While living with strangers and sleeping on the floor of her living room with her children she enrolled in the ESL program at Lazarus House to learn English in hope of a better future. There she met her teacher, Ann, who became aware of her living conditions and recommended that she go to Lazarus' emergency shelter. Through tears Isandra tried to describe her emotions at the time, "everything in my life was dark and closed down. Lazarus House was like a light to me, it was everything in my life; a new beginning. I knew when Ann grabbed my hand and told me, 'you are not alone' - I can't explain how I felt . . . it was the light!"

Isandra is now living in her own apartment at Capernaum Place [Lazarus House transitional housing facility] and her holiday plans are in the making. She wants to enjoy the entire day with her three children, Yanuel, age 12, Yamilex, age 6 and Jymil, age 3. "My best picture of a Christmas holiday this year", Isandra described with a sparkle in her eye, "would start by putting up lots of colored lights - the kids will love it - then we would put up a tree! I am going to buy Christmas gifts, cook a special meal, and sit down and eat with them."

When asked what she wants for Christmas, Isandra replied, "My Christmas wish is to have peace; the peace of living in my house with my children as a family."

 

Urgent Request for Project Bethlehem: 150 families awaiting "adoption" this Christmas