To Build A Home

With a hectic but rewarding month of Hero Holidays over, I’ve been doing some reflecting of the things that have happened over the last month. I personally had the opportunity to build for three families. Each and every one is special in a different way. The last family was very precious in a number of ways. The parents are so in love. If she was helping paint you could catch him watching her and just smiling. Then there are their two beautiful little daughters. Luz and Yamilet, they are two bundles of joy. Two loud bundles of joy! We had two teams here building so Luz and Yamilet’s parents, Rosa and Luiz were receiving a home but as well on the other side of the property Rosa’s parents and younger siblings were also receiving a home. Luz and Yamilet’s house was dedicated first, meaning all the team members stood in a circle with the family in front of their new home and we each had the opportunity to say something to the family and for them to say something to us if they wished as well. It’s like putting a new blessing on the home. The little girls were so excited when they went into the house. Each not only had their own bed, but bedrooms, equipped with Barbies, Candy, new clothes and a bicycle for each. They couldn't contain their excitement as their grandparents were receiving their new home. So the little girls grabbed Beth and I, took us to their old house so they could grab something and then they yelled, “Let’s go to our new house!!!”

Dedication day is something very meaningful and leaves and everlasting feeling on everyone. We were trying to make the girls be quiet so everyone could say what they wanted to in peace, but they were just too excited. We shushed them long enough to get them into the new home; they both then ran into their own bedrooms and just screamed with happiness! There was no doubt in my mind that the girls were going to love their house. Earlier in the week as the house was still being built, Luz, the oldest ran into her room that had nothing in it. Laid on the floor, smiled, and said ahhh my bedroom!!! This is a huge deal for her. She’s been sharing a bed with her parents and sisters for most if not all of her life. As Beth and I were with the girls in their home, Luz went into her room, took her shoes off, got into her bed and said “I won’t be cold anymore” something we take for granted daily. We always have enough blankets and comfort. This is the first time she’ll have blankets all to herself. It is common also for families to continue to share one bed for a while. Getting used to their beds and new home is a life changing event. It’s an overwhelming event for sure. So the comfort of each other makes it a lot easier.

 I’m very excited and fortunate to be in Mexico for almost two more months and am hoping to go back and visit this family and see how they've made the house into a home. Being apart of this experience has made me really appreciate the little things in each day. At the beginning of the month I saw the bag of doorknobs from the hardware store. Some may just simply see a bag of doorknobs, but I see the safety and opportunities that comes with having a home, having the chance to get to lock their door for the first time, making this house into the home this family has deserved for a long time. 

Another thought: The house we live in here in Mexico has bunk beds and some clever person over the years has written quotes on the boards on the top bunks. I am currently sitting on the extra bed in my room, I look up and the board says, "turn over" ... funny how the universe sometimes knows exactly how one is feeling. xo