One Word

One word, well two words in English, is a way our team is bridging the language gap in a country where few-if any of our group-speak the language. Thank you-Multumesc in Romanian-is the first word and only word I know in Romanian, thanks to our waitress, Florida. But the sense of overwhelming gratitude is very palpable at the worksite. Thank you is echoed through each smile, each story and each hug.

Plans Change

Our team got notice on Wednesday prior to departure that some plans had to change for this week. No longer would we have the goal of building 40 houses in five days. Due to some last minute permit troubles, the big build has to be postponed until 2017-but that is not stopping the 160 volunteers from serving with glad hearts. 

As I looked over the worksite, seeing a sea of red was inspiring. This group of seasoned travelers wasn’t going to let the change in plans dampen their giving spirit. Quite the opposite, really. The sudden outbursts of laughter and the special beat of 100+ hammers quickly filled the space where homes will soon stand. During orientation we learned that this neighborhood will soon house more than 100 children, and changing the lives of children for the better, means great things are in store for the families. One of the key volunteers for this project went as far as to put together a nice wooden playground for the community, so the children can have a safe place to create community and play together.

World Habitat Day

The first Monday in October is recognized as World Habitat Day-which is one of the reasons to schedule this Big Build for 40 families and with more than 500 volunteers. This project is an embodiment of Habitat’s mission of seeking to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.