GREENSBORO -- A woman living in sanctuary at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church will spend her Christmas there.

Juana Luz Tobar Ortega fled to the U.S. in the early 90s, seeking asylum from violence in Guatemala. She never thought, more than 25 years later, she’d end up spending the holidays in a sanctuary.

She says, "It hasn’t been easy. It’s very different because being at home would be a lot more comfortable. Now that the hoidays are here and being in place where I can't get out, it's very difficult."

Ortega was still waiting on asylum approval when her young daughter, in the care of grandparents, got sick. Ortega rushed back to Guatemala, not knowing it would ruin her chances of gaining American citizenship in the future.

The church is willing to let her stay for as long as it takes. Ortega has been passing the time by making pillows, throws, and scarves for people in the community. Her husband and kids will spend Christmas Eve and day with her at the church.

Ortega is one of four immigrants living in sanctuary in North Carolina.