Week 1 Day 6, 2016

Dear Hope’s In community,

Two very special Guatemalan families awoke in a beautiful new house today. Yesterday we completed the houses, distributed 300 sandwiches to one of the poorest communities, and held a medical clinic in the garbage dump. What a day it was!

Friday is “pay day”. When the house is completed the whole team goes to one house at a time to have a special ceremony celebrating the family that is receiving the house. It is quite emotional as we get to know the families really well and the joy the house brings to their family and our volunteers is undeniable. Hope’s In dedication traditions include serenading the family with “Amazing Grace” and washing their feet. We wash their feet because this is something Jesus did for his disciples as an act of humility and service. This is followed by exchanging our wishes for the family and blessings. We close in prayer. Then share tear-filled goodbyes.

Nothing is more beautiful today than knowing these families are hopeful and faithful because they have a sturdy four walls to house their loved ones and generations of memories. Every volunteer was so touched by what they experienced this week. Thank you for all those who have supported us in prayer, thoughts, and love. We are also so grateful to Potter’s House who never cease to amaze us with their grace and compassion. To close off this week I will include a poem written by one of our volunteers about her experiences and the family she built the home with:

A Series of Requests and True Statements
By Chloe Quigley
Surrender yourself to God.
Now pray.
Pray for Veronica, Roberto, Cindy, Edy, and Stephanie.
I hope I never forget to match these names to their faces.
Remember that it is not in God’s will to forget.
He knows them. He knows me.
There is no love greater than His.
There is no feeling stronger than hope.
Speak with a universal smile.
Share in his abundance of strength and forgiveness.
Pray that Ashley and her brother will never play alone,
that they will know God.
Pray for family, friends and always thank God.
Treasures on every corner. Take the time to know them like God does.

We excitedly await what is to come. Next week 55 Hope’s In volunteers will arrive to build 6 houses and host a medical clinic with three different doctors, sports camp and dance camp.

Blessings,
Courtney Quigley