Rebuilding Life and Finding Hope after Loss

Losing everything in a fire is a life-changing ordeal, but for Emelina Molina, it was the start of an inspiring journey to rebuild. When the flames turned her home to ashes, she was left with nothing—but she wasn’t alone. With the unwavering support of her family, community, and a group of dedicated volunteers, she found hope amidst the devastation. Now, after months of uncertainty, that hope is becoming a reality. This week, Emelina finally has a new place to call home. Sabreena Daly shares her uplifting story in this week’s segment of On the Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

For people already struggling to get by, losing everything in a fire can be a crushing blow that tests the limits of survival. This nightmare became a reality for Emelina Molina on December twenty-eighth, 2024, when her home—a sanctuary amid financial hardship—was reduced to ashes.

 

Emelina Molina, Recipient, Building for Change Program

“That was an ugly feeling. It’s an ugly, ugly feeling. When I ran out and I went on the roadside and I watched that house blazing in fire, all I could do was cry. I cried out because I ran out with one suit of clothes on my back and nothing on my feet.” 

 

When disaster hits, having a strong support system can change everything. When all seemed lost, it was the steadfast support of the family that laid the groundwork for hope. Their encouragement and determination transformed a moment of despair into a chance to rebuild and find resilience.

 

Philip Molina, Brother

“I told my sister, hey, let your heart not be troubled. I said, this is done. We’re going to start a new life all over, and the next chapter will begin in Boom.”

 

Philip Molina describes his sister as a determined woman who faces challenges head-on and never backs down. After her loss, her strength shone through as she placed her trust in those ready to help.

 

Sister Luke Boiarski , Missionary

“ What’s significant to me is that her family and her friends have come. I was really worried because we had all women, but I know they’re hard workers, but I’m still worried about when all these men showed up  Her nephews and her brothers. And I’m like, Oh, thank you, God. I mean, it was wonderful. And there’s a real community spirit here. I feel it. It’s very tangible.”

 

At the heart of this transformation is Sister Luke Boiarski, a missionary with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, whose commitment to service has touched countless lives. Partnering with Hand in Hand Ministries, she led a team of nine women who took on the challenge of constructing Molina’s new haven in just one week.

Sister Luke Boiarski

“ I’ve done 22 builds and this is by far the best. We have a women crew, ten of us. Nine from the same family. They’re dedicating this house in memory of their sister who was a sister from Charity of Nazareth–Sister Mary Patricia Brennan. So they’re all here, they’re working away and they’re so happy to do this in her honor and her memory.”

 

Emelina Molina

“Well, all I have to do is thank each and everyone who came out and helped me, and also my brother, and the good Lord. I thank the good Lord that one door closed but another opened. I thank him so very much because I got down on my knees and I prayed every day and night. I don’t know how to thank the good Lord for it. He answered my prayer.”

 

The love and generosity that surrounded Emelina’s journey went far beyond just bricks and mortar. It was the spirit of community that truly carried her through. Emelina calls it a miracle—her new home was built with dedication and hard work. While the flames may have taken her house, they couldn’t take her hope, faith, or the unwavering support of those around her. Thanks to the kindness of strangers and the love of family, Emelina Molina’s story is one of resilience, rebuilding, and the incredible power of community.

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.