EN-ID Blog
That afternoon, Amalia (25) swept the front yard of her house, now standing strong with its blue paint, while carrying a sense of peace within her. Every now and then, she stopped to admire her new home, unable to hold back a smile. Her heart still struggled to believe it—the place that once existed only in her prayers was now truly hers.
She had been waiting for this moment for years. For more than five years, she and her small family lived in a cramped house, sharing space with her parents and older sibling. There was no privacy, no room for her child to play, and not even a comfortable place to rest.
But the most painful part was not just the lack of space—it was the fragile condition of the house itself. The bamboo walls had started to rot, the roof leaked in multiple places, and every time heavy rain came, she had to brace herself for flooding inside her home.
“My husband patched the roof with plastic. It helped a little—at least some parts didn’t leak. But when it rained heavily or the wind was strong, we were always on edge, afraid the house would collapse,” Amalia recalled.
As a mother, her heart was always filled with worry. Not just about the house, but also about the future of her young child. “Honestly, I felt so sad. I kept thinking, what about my child? What about his future? I wanted him to grow up in a better place, but it felt impossible for us,” Amalia added.
Read also: The Most Beautiful Gift of the New Year: A Decent Home Full of Hope
Then, a ray of hope finally appeared. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia built a new home right next to their old one. Now, Amalia and her family finally have a house they can truly call their own. “Alhamdulillah, I have no words. This house is more than just livable. It’s so much more comfortable—no more leaks, and my child sleeps so soundly now,” Amalia said with deep gratitude.
Now, she feels the heavy burden on her shoulders slowly lifting. No more anxiety when the rain falls, no more fear of a collapsing roof. “Now, I can take care of my child with peace of mind. I can teach him many things without worrying about our home. I feel more confident now,” she added.
A week after their new home was built, Darul constructed a small kitchen for Amalia. He wanted his wife to be able to cook comfortably and prepare meals filled with love for their little family.
Darul, who works as a construction laborer, has become even more determined to find additional work, splitting his time as a farmhand to save money for their child’s education in the future. “For me, a house is not just a place to live. It’s a place where I find my identity as a mother, a place where I can build a better life for my family,” Amalia said, her smile full of hope.
Let’s work together to provide decent housing for millions of families in Indonesia who are still struggling for a safe and comfortable place to call home. Every small step from #SahabatHabitat is a big hope for them, giving them the opportunity to live a better and more dignified life. Donate now and be part of the change: www.habitatindonesia.org/donate
(kh/av)
