Annie Lopez fled El Salvador in 1989 because of the civil war. She met and married her husband, Jorge Toxqui, from Mexico in 1990. With the help of the Canal Alliance immigration department they won permanent residence in 2000, and are only a year from applying for citizenship.
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Annie Lopez and Jorge Toxqui |
They are living the American dream. Annie started a massage therapy business in 1997, and Jorge works in the grocery business. They purchased a home in Terra Linda last year.
One of the first things they were able to do after winning permanent residence was to go home to visit their families in their home countries. Annie went to El Salvador to see her mother and three children whom she hadn't seen in eleven years.
“I was so happy to see my family I cried. I cried for joy, and for the pain of being separated for so long, and because my mother was so thin. But I am grateful to CCA for helping us.”
Annie has had her own business since 1997, doing massage therapy for women. She also teaches classes at Marin General Hospital to new mothers on how to do infant massage. It really helps the mothers and babies bond. She is very focused on women's health and well-being.
If you are interested in Annie's classes or massage for women she can be contacted by email at anniesmassage@yahoo.com. |