Summary
Highlights
María emphasizes that patience is crucial for immigrants, as expectations often clash with the realities of the new country. She reflects on the steep learning curve she experienced in Spain, acknowledging that success doesn't come overnight.
Upon arriving in Spain, María and her family faced significant housing challenges. After a seven-day hotel stay in Madrid, they struggled to find a place that would accommodate them and their nine-year-old son, finding most listings unsuitable for families with children. This forced them to consider moving to a smaller town.
Desperate, they found a room in Puertollano through a connection from María's daughter. Despite the high cost for a room in a small town and the owner's initial promise of empadronamiento (registration), their living situation became difficult due to strict rules, shared facilities, and hidden surveillance cameras. The family faced a humiliating experience during New Year's Eve when they were excluded from a lavish dinner hosted by the owners.
María confronted the abusive homeowner, who later apologized and offered a contact for new housing in Almagro. This unexpected turn led them to a new, much better living situation that would prove to be a turning point for the family.
The move to Almagro marked a significant improvement. Their new apartment, managed by a Peruvian woman, was more spacious, offered a private bathroom, and allowed for more independence. This positive change immediately lifted their spirits and made them feel more optimistic about their future in Spain.
María's husband, Giovanni, initially faced difficulties finding stable work, despite being a skilled welder. He took on various odd jobs, including temporary agricultural work and a grueling week in a container camp, before finding a steady, albeit unofficial, welding job. This provided some financial relief while they awaited their work permits.
María found a job as a caregiver for an elderly man, earning 900 euros per month. This role allowed her flexibility, including bringing her son to the house overnight and accommodating his school schedule, providing crucial stability for the family. Her husband eventually found a stable, legal job as a steelworker, offering a salary of 1290 euros plus performance bonuses.
The family immigrated with a debt of 45 million Colombian pesos. Through hard work and strategic saving, they managed to pay off a significant portion of this debt, with plans to clear the remainder and build up savings. Their ultimate goal is to return to Colombia by December 2027 to start a business, armed with financial stability and the lessons learned from their challenging but ultimately rewarding experience in Spain.
María emphasizes that every immigrant's dream is valid and encourages patience, perseverance, and proactive searching for opportunities. She advises families with children to come with substantial savings due to the difficulty of finding housing. She also highlights the unexpected benefits of living in a small town like Almagro, which, despite its size, offers a strong sense of community and essential services.