Day three quickly arrived, we were all tired and amazed that we would be finishing this house in only 3 days. Our small group of 13 had come together just 4 days earlier at the airport. Justin and I only knew 5 of the 11 people that were on the team. It was amazing to see how close we all became and how well we had all worked together.
It was a bitter sweet walk to the site that morning knowing that we would have to leave this family soon, but so excited to know that their life had been changed forever by these short three days.
Each home Casas builds gets a plack placed above the front door, the number is the families application number.
We started working quickly on electrical, bracings for the house, the inside walls, placing widows and a door, the trim for the windows and door, and placing the roof. This last day was a little more tedious and detail oriented than the first two but the easiest by far. We were all able to work together at the site and enjoy being together on the last day of the build.
Justin placing bracing for he front siding, Tiffany putting in braces on the internal structure, Justin with the chickens who quickly thought they had found their new home.
That afternoon around 3 we where able to dedicate the house and hand over Blanca the keys to her new future. She had tears coming down her face when she realized that this is her new home. As her and the boys went in little Anthony kept saying over and over “casa, casa” as he ran into all the rooms of the house.
At the dedication, Blanca and Anthony, Juanito is asleep in her wrap. Tiffany saying a few words and presenting the bible we all signed.
We where able to go back the next morning (in the rain) to deliver the “gifts.” We where able to purchase 2 beds, a stove, propane tank, and toiletries, as well as little toys for the boys. When little Juanito Francisco got his soccer ball he kicked it between one of our guys legs who was just standing there and yelled out “goal.” Seeing the joy in these little guys faces was just priceless. We also got to meet the dad, Francisco, that morning. He is gone most of the time as he works during the week in another town. I would have loved to see his face when he rounded the corner in front of the house that morning.
On our way to the house for the last time to deliver the gifts, this is when it rained! Us with the family Blanca 21 years, Francisco dad, Bryan Anthony 4 years, Janito Francisco – 2 years. The boys where so happy to receive their small gifts.
What a wonderful and blessed week we have had to serve this family and to do it alongside an amazing group of people. Over this week we were able to get another little taste of community. We stayed in boy/girl dorms, we ate meals all together, we experienced everyday life together and loved others as one. It was a wonderful week of serving!
Our “Raintree” group with the family and their new home!
To view more photos from our house build click here.
