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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Habitat For Humanity Build #6: Las Cruces, New Mexico


Doug and I recently completed another Habitat for Humanity build in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As always, I am in awe of the knowledge and skills of all my fellow builders ... including Doug. And I appreciate their patience as they taught me more skills needed to transform the wood into the walls to support the doors that will welcome a deserving family into their new home.

For "alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
Helen Keller


During our three weeks of building with the Care-a-vanners in Las Cruces, we formed more great friendships as we worked ...


... and laughed together.


We each brought our own unique construction talents (or in my case, a hope to acquire some construction talents) and accomplished great feats as a team.


We carried and raised heavy trusses ... always with a smile on our face.



We (ok ... only Chris) received "hammering lessons" from our "Super"visor Pete that allowed us to build and raise interior walls.



 As Brenda guided me along, I realized that wall building is kind of like playing with giant Legos or putting together a life-size puzzle.


We installed windows step by step ...



... and over-engineered perfect archways.


We became successful door installers ...


... after, once again, a lesson from "Super"visor Pete. I am still blown away not only by his vast knowledge, but also by his patient instructions and encouraging words.


We confidently crafted fine electrical panels ...


... and overcame some hesitation to get up on the roof to help shingle ... and enjoy the view.



By the end of our three weeks, we not only raised walls ...


... but we also raised the hopes,


... and the smiles,


... and confidence of the future homeowners.



We learned that ...

small acts,
when multiplied by millions of people,
can transform the world.
Howard Zinn





... and open the door to a brighter future for so many families!


Until next time ...  transform your world ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!



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4 comments:

  1. Love all the photos, especially of the family who will call this their HOME. Thanks for doing this for us that cannot. Love it!! -mm

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  2. Working alongside the future homeowners has been such a wonderful experience! Thanks for following along as I continue to learn from so many talented builders!

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  3. What a great picture story. I really enjoyed meeting you and working with you. Hope we get to do it again soon. I think you missed the 6 layer days (layers of clothes) but today we were down to t-shirts

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  4. New Mexico is almost like Minnesota - the land of 4 seasons ... all in one week! It was our pleasure to meet and work with you. Many, many thanks for your patient instruction! Look forward to when we can build together again!

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