The Katywompus Journal Observing Life's Little Quirks by Diane Moody |
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Entry #58: A Habitat Sunday
Sometimes timing is everything. I don't know about you, but after a political overdose on the national scene and way too much controversy of late here on the home front in our little town, I was in major need of some GOOD NEWS - something uplifting and inspiring for a change. Several weeks ago, my husband and I signed up at church for a workday on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. In conjunction with three other churches, our church was to help build a family home. And Sunday, it was our turn to pitch in. Just what the doctor ordered! I have to admit we were a bit apprehensive. Neither of us is particularly gifted in the construction arena. (That's an understatement!) We were clueless about how it all worked. And so it was, with mixed but excited feelings, we headed off for Providence Park - a neighborhood of Habitat homes in east Nashville. Gotta hand it to the Habitat folks -these workdays are coordinated like well-oiled machines. From our appointed arrival at 6:30 a.m. to our departure at almost 4:00 p.m., the fifty or so volunteers at "our" house worked together to accomplish more than one would ever dream possible. A hot breakfast (prepared by volunteers) awaited us on this brisk November morning. As we sipped piping hot coffee, we gathered with other work teams on the street to get our instructions then begin the day with prayer. We were surprised that two of the first people we met on site were Teresa and Roberto, the homeowners of our house. They welcomed us with hugs and handshakes of genuine gratitude before we even lifted a finger. Their enthusiasm was contagious and we couldn't wait to get to work! To back up a bit, I should tell you these homes are built in four weeks. Yes, you read that right - FOUR WEEKS. The majority of work is done on Saturdays and Sundays by volunteers. Those tasks requiring more expertise, such as brick masonry, plumbing, and electrical, are done during the week. We showed up on Week 3, and by next Sunday - just one month since the foundation was poured - this new home will be completed and dedicated in a special ceremony. How great is that? Researching the Habitat for Humanity website (www.habitat.org), I learned a great deal about this incredible non-profit organization. Many think Jimmy Carter started HFH, but while the former president has brought tremendous attention to the organization, it was actually Millard Fuller who founded it in 1976. Fuller was a self-made millionaire by age 29. But his success nearly ruined his life, his health, and his marriage. Fortunately, he reassessed his life then reconciled with his wife and recommitted his life to Christ. According to the website, "the Fullers then took a drastic step: they decided to sell all of their possessions, give the money to the poor and begin searching for a new focus for their lives." Eventually that search would give birth to a ministry in housing. The Fullers learned how to build "modest houses on a no-profit, no-interest basis, thus making homes affordable to families with low incomes." Again, referencing their website, "Habitat has built more than 175, 000 houses, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people worldwide." Volunteers come together through companies, churches, clubs, schools - you name it. In fact, the house across the street was a project by the Music Row companies of Nashville. How about that! What I appreciate about the Habitat concept is that homeowner families play an intricate role in the building of their homes as they invest their own labor, working alongside the volunteers. Their down payment and monthly mortgage payments are applied to build still more Habitat houses. That means couples like Teresa and Roberto not only help build their own home, they can also experience the pride of knowing they are helping other families at the same time. What did we do on site? Ken dug a drainage ditch outdoors before joining me inside to help paint the interior of this family home. We were exhausted by the end of the day, but it was that "feel-good" kind of fatigue - the kind that comes from doing something worthwhile to help others. Definitely an inspiring and uplifting experience! If you've ever wondered about getting involved with Habitat for Humanity, go for it! Give the local folks a call and find out how you and your church or organization can help. You can reach the Nashville office at 615.254.4663 or by email at info@habitatnashville.org. Click HERE to send Diane an email. She welcomes your comments and suggestions. She's Flying the Coop Blessed are the poor... Back to School It All Started With Eve It's Almost Here! Forget About Weapons of Mass Destruction - let’s Talk Hormones The Other "W" "If only I could..." "Put Down That Remote and Step Away From the TV!" Take This Job and Love It! As the Stomach turns! Pet Peeves Cue the Balloons! 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