Children Expect an ‘Adult Party’ and Find Their New Home Instead

Imagine thinking you’re going to a party, only to walk through the front door and find your parents standing in your family’s brand-new Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home.

That was the reality for three local children on Dec. 22, 2025, in Cornerstone Creek.

Roman K. and her husband, Ayalew A., had kept their purchase of a new Habitat home a secret for months before the heartwarming reveal just days before Christmas. Roman and Ayalew emigrated from Ethiopia more than nine years ago and worked steadily toward homeownership while raising their children. Roman is a head custodian with Edmond Public Schools, and Ayalew drives for Uber. For years, the family lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma City.

In her Habitat application, Roman wrote that finances had kept homeownership out of reach.

“My children ask me every day, ‘When will we have a house?’ — they wish they could have their own rooms,” she said. “We have thought of buying a house before, but due to some difficulties in our lives, we weren’t able to, but glory to God, the time has come and we are grateful to Habitat.”

Upon opening the front door, Yohanes, 11, Maramawit, 8, and Michael, 5, were greeted not only by their parents but also by Habitat staff, community supporters and local media. COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland welcomed the children and helped reveal that the house they had just entered was now their family’s home. Michael, the youngest, accepted the keys during the ceremony.

The children said they were stunned at first.

“My mom wanted to keep it a secret and told us we were going to an adult party,” Yohanes said. “When I came in, I thought it was an interview or something, but when she told me about the house, I was really shocked.”

Maramawit said she felt confused at first.

“I got a little anxious,” she said.

Both children were thrilled to tour their new bedrooms.

Felton Gilliland said the Roman K. family’s home was COHFH’s 1,149th house built since 1990.

“There’s plenty for our partner families to celebrate this holiday season,” she said. “Cornerstone Creek homeowners can buy new, energy-efficient and affordable homes, and their children can attend Piedmont’s excellent schools.”