The One Where we Finished the Homes

Today was our last build day which was super tough for everybody because it was the last time we got to see our build team and the community members who have worked so hard the past 3 days. Our builders were yet again, amazing. They flew through the builds today and I have to say that today was the hottest day I think. Rhonda and I worked with Tío (uncle) Jose, the man we built for and his mom yesterday afternoon (I became the 18th honorary grandchild so now I call Jose, Tío). We worked so well together, I enjoyed it very much. As Jose got the hang of drilling holes into the black bars for the windows, I also started to drill holes to help get them finished quicker with Henry, it can also drain a lot out of you so I figured two was better than one. 

Our first house was for a 20 year old woman, Jocelyn and her 6 month old daughter,  Alexa. Her family lives in the home next to her but she is excited for her own home and privacy to raise her daughter in. She is also excited to have her own things and this home will give her a chance to work and provide for her daughter. Her and I have so much in common so it was really awesome to be able to sit in and meet with her and see how our lives were similar and be able to relate to her. She finished high school studying healthcare and she would like to hopefully work in a pharmacy or home. Her family is what brings her happiness, she loves spending time with them and being together. 

We began our second home before lunch again today which was incredible, we have been blessed with such dedicated and hard working people on our team. They were so involved that there wasn’t much for us to do! We had to go to them and ask them to let us do some work, which they were happy to do and they would stay with us while we worked on our projects. This home was being built for a lovely elderly couple, Maria and Antonio who have been together for 45 years. They had 10 children, 2 have passed away and 16 grandchildren. They all live very close and they get to see them almost everyday. They have waited 20 years for this home and to be safe and dry. Before we even really got into the interview they told us how happy they are we have come and they will take care of us while we were there. All they want now is more life to spend time with their children and grandchildren and to see them grow. 

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed in all the interviews is that when we ask what brings them joy and happiness, it’s their time with their families. It really puts into perspective what is truly important in life. Back home I find we look for happiness in things, money, and having more material items. If we get x it will make us happy. We have asked these families what their struggles and challenges are and some honestly can’t think of things or it’s that they wish they had more time. It blows my mind that their situations are beyond comprehension to us and we have so much mostly just handed to us but if someone were to ask our struggles, I’m sure we could name a list of things. Our issues are so minuscule in the grand scheme of things, not to say we don’t struggle nor have our own personal challenges but it’s really eye opening and makes you take a step back and really think about things and what’s really important and worth worrying and stressing over. 

It’s really crazy to me that this is day four and the connections and the relationships that have been formed have been incredible. Everyday they continue to deepen and we become closer and stronger together whether it’s within our team or if it’s with our Shelter and community team. I came here knowing two people out of 25 (not including myself) and I am fortunate enough to say that I have been building individual relationships with everyone since being here. I did not think I would come out of my shell this quickly and especially with everyone but here we are. I am learning from everybody daily, whether they know it or not.