Habitat Sandtown Blitz Week 2004

My thoughts...

The dedication is over. Two and a half years to fulfill John's dream of sponsoring a house has now been fulfilled. It is a relief and yet it is hard to imaging that it is over. John may not feel the same way as me since I was only involved for such a short time; less than 3 full weeks over 3 years, but now this phase is over. We can return to just being Habitat volunteers.

One of the most rewarding benefits of this experience is the family that is moving in to 1620; the Fullwood family. But I am getting ahead of myself a bit and will have more to say about them in a minute.

I want to talk about myself and what I have learned. And I can easily sum it all up in one word; faith.

There are 3 main areas of faith that have been at work in my life through the house sponsorship and I got a front row seat to watch all three play out. And as with many experiences in life, you don't realize or appreciate the situation you are in (and what potential dangers or failures are possible) until you look back and your mind does all of the 'what ifs'. (I am often at fault of doing too many 'what if's' in my life. I know it and continue to work on it. Perhaps my acknowledgement is my first step toward overcoming this).

The three areas of faith for me was the area of raising the support, the construction of the house and the family to live in the house.

Support-
So much money-where will it come from?

Construction-
Who is going to do it all?
How long will this take?

Family-
Can Sandtown find a family with the right fit?
Can they be local people?
Will they appreciate what has been done?

The Blitz Week of construction was primarily spent on finishing the house. Hanging doors, putting up trim, windowsills, door knobs, kitchen cabinets, closet doors and curtain rods, painting, carpeting, mailbox and house number, and on and on. After a while, we kept bumping into each other as then number of volunteers was too great for the space we could fit in. But the weather was wonderful and not too hot, the spirit of all involved was upbeat with an air of excitement as Friday drew near. It was a treat for us to meet and become aquainted with the Fullwood family as they would come by and help work with us and talk together. Particularly Torell, who was with us every day helping out wherever he could to complete the house.

We were a beehive of activity on Friday as the hours passed and we rushed to complete the house. We stopped by 2:00 pm to set up for the dedication.

Dedication Ceremony
John Elsen spoke of Jesus words about many mansions (from John 14:2). John pointed out that Jesus never wrote anything down, but always told the truth. Therefore, we can believe what he says.

Then it was the Fullwood family and their turn to speak. Torell spoke about how thankful he and his family are in getting this house. It is a dream come true which he and his wife never imagined would be possible.

He has come to love the HFH people; staff and volunteers since he did not grow us in the Sandtown neighborhood. (Kamaria grew up and lived just a few houses down, on the same block as their new house). Torell mentioned how very grateful they are to John and the entire Elsen family. Torell told of the incident a while back while walking in Sandtown. A 14 old white boy stopped him and asked Torell if he hated him. Torell said no and went on to tell him that we are all striving for the same thing; to make a difference.

To make a difference. A fitting phrase as the ceremony ended. We wanted to make a difference. It certainly did for us. We trust it does for Sandtown and the Fullwoods.

So as John handed over the keys to symbolically and literally give possession to the Fullwoods, I could not help but think of all of the wonderful people we met and volunteers we worked with on this house. The people of the Sandtown community have left an indelible impression on my and my family that we will never forget. I also could not help but give thanks to God for His faithfulness toward this effort and accomplishment.

It is our prayer that the Fullwoods would find shelter in this building, surrounded by the love that was poured out to rebuild it, in the security of a supportive community that will bless and enrich them in their lives.

Tom Klamm
July, 2004