Powerful earthquakes can leave serious destruction, and oftentimes death, in their wake. In 2001, El Salvador experienced multiple powerful quakes. More than 1,000 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed, including the house of Maria Ponce. From one day to the next, she was homeless and her life lay in ruins around her.
But somehow she managed to keep looking forward and decided she would start anew. But this time her house would be different; she only wanted to use recycled materials. When her neighbors heard about her plans, they thought she was crazy, but she showed them!
Her new house was built solely of plastic bottles, caps, and slats of wood.
But it didn't stop there: Maria has a knack for decorating. She created mosaics with bottle caps, giving her walls that little extra something and creating beautiful floral designs on her floor.
Maria doesn't have electricity or water in her house, but many of her neighbors are filled with envy when they see her home.
Visitors come regularly to "The Enchanted Cottage," named after an American film. Inside, they can also see Maria's homemade dolls, which are just another highlight of this special house.
Maria's story shows that even a great misfortune can turn into something beautiful when, despite everything, you look to see what still remains.