Mariano and Marta Lopez, of Colonia Lago, are trying to construct a permanent home, a common goal throughout the colonias. The family lives in a small blue trailer while Mariano builds their new house next door. "It's difficult," says Marta. "Whatever we save, we spend it on the house. My husband works all week, sometimes Saturday and Sunday. He started building here in December. My thirteen-year-old son is a very good helper." The design of the house was Mariano's idea: "I learned building in Mexico with my parents during the Mexico City earthquake, in 1985. Now I'm hoping to start my own construction company. I have four workers. I registered my company under my name."