TO MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home"

                                                                        - Confucius (BC 551 - BC 479) Chinese Philosopher

Now, I have been living in Guatemala for nearly 5 months; I felt that I knew the country, the people, and the problems. The statistics read poorly for Guatemala. More than fifty percent of the population live below the national poverty line, severe malnutrition among the infant population, impossibly low wages; the story goes on. Reading those statistics is one thing but seeing them played out in real life is something else completely. My eyes have been opened, my mind has been blown, my heartstrings pulled and my life changed this week.

It all started with a group of 10 good keen men from Ohio, USA. They were the first of four teams that will travel to Guatemala under the Hope Haven banner in the next month and construct new houses for the severely impoverished here in Guatemala. Run in association with Guatemaltecas de Corazon – the local women’s cooperative, the families most in need of improved housing are identified. Over the ensuing months, plans are made and the site is prepared ready for the construction team to start building. At first light the team arrives and by dusk the house is habitable and the family can move in. But what was most striking was having permission to visit the families in their current homes – they live in impossible conditions. By-and-large no electricity and no running water, dirt floored, iron shacks with soot laden ceilings and walls from the fire used to cook the meals. Perhaps 2 or 3 three single beds pushed together for a family of 8 to sleep on. We are constructing a very simple, steel framed, concrete floored, 2 room habitation. But it is a mansion by comparison.

I know with the support of Guatemaltecas de Corazon and Hope Haven these houses will become homes – for the minds and the bodies of these beautiful families. I won’t lumber you with every last detail but what I will do is say that there are not many things more humbling than building a home for a family in desperate need. It is impossible to put into words the feeling of gifting that new home, and to make such a drastic change to a family in one day is truly an emotional thing to be involved with.

Rome wasn’t built in a day…

…But a new home for the severely impoverished here in San Juan, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala can be…

Side note: 

This week of construction left a significant impression on me. I have been asked to help lead 3 more teams over the next four weeks to build another six homes. My belief in this project is so strong in fact, that over the coming weeks I wish to commence a fundraising venture for the construction of more similar homes – one home at a time we can strengthen the future of Guatemala and further abroad.

I have a few ideas, but I am always willing to hear others opinions so please leave a comment or get in touch if you have a fundraising idea or wish to get involved. Stay tuned for more!