Abuela Maria Luisa
Maria Luisa Onofre Islas is in her early 60’s. She is a very private, very shy woman. She shared a few details from her youth that she immediately asked us not to use in her story. What we can share, with her permission, is that she had no education so finding a job was difficult for her. She worked as a maid her whole life. She also shared that she was a single mother to the greatest joy of her life, her son Ivan. She cleaned houses full time to support herself and him. She said that the most important lesson she learned in her life is this: if you are struggling and someone offers to help you, let them.
Maria Luisa came to Casa del Abuelo in March 2019. She is both one of the youngest and one of the most helpful abuelas Angelica has ever had at the ministry. Maria Luisa helps with the day to day cleaning of the dorm rooms, bathrooms and laundry. She also helps the other abuelas get dressed as well as get them to and from the dining hall for meals. Angelica shared with us that Maria Luisa is completely able bodied and can take care of all of her own needs. However, she suffers from a mental illness that makes her challenging to care for.
Ivan reached out to Angelica when he was no longer able to care for his mother on his own. His biggest issue was that he works full time as a barber to support himself and his mother but she absolutely cannot be alone. After talking with Angelica about her ministry, they decided they would give Casa del Abuelo a try. Maria Luisa adapted well. Being surrounded by people and keeping busy has helped her mental health a lot. Ivan visits regularly. He also donates his services and gives the abuelos haircuts from time to time.
Maria Luisa shared that living at Casa del Abuelo is a huge blessing, like being a part of a large family. She said that what she likes most is that everyone loves and respects each other like real brothers and sisters. She greatly appreciates everything Angelica and Pastor Nicolas do for her and asks that you join her in prayer for them, Casa del Abuelo and for everyone who is in need. Additionally, she asked us to say that if you are in a position to help someone in need, do it but only out of love.
Adopt an Abuelo
Casa del Abuelo cares for more than 20 abuelos at a time. They operate entirely on donations to cover expenses for water, propane, gas, food, transportation, and medicine. For $50 a month you can help provide these essential items for an abuelo.
