Angels of God

Today we not only finished with our portion of work on the house, but it also marked our final day with the family.  Gioconda met us at our van today with a huge smile and hugs for everyone which was all the motivation we needed to get our sore arms and legs back in motion. Her family's love for one another and toward us has really left an impression with many, if not all of us. lt is hard to believe we only met them on Monday.

The work day was short today as we had made great progress throughout the week. So we were able to help prepare for the party that was planned for the afternoon. The house still needs a roof, doors & windows, and electrical wires pulled but these tasks are reserved for skilled laborers as they are crucial portions of the home which understandably need to be installed meticulously and safely.

When we returned to the site after lunch, we were met with the many neighborhood children and also several members of Gioconda’s extended family.  Her family was also very appreciative of our help and kindness.  We spent a little bit of time putting up a few ribbons, bows and balloons on the home and proceeded with an intimate dedication ceremony between her family and our team.  This involved an exchanging of gifts, pictures, hugs and words of appreciation.  We all prayed over the house and the family who would soon be residing inside followed by a ribbon cutting marking this very special occasion.  This was definitely an emotional part of our trip as we felt so blessed to be able to help someone in need who so deeply appreciated our help.  Gioconda’s family referred to our aid as if we were angels sent from God.  Although we are not angels, it helped us to recognize the importance of giving to others and how far a little bit of our time and effort can go.

After the dedication, the party was on! Many of the children in the neighborhood came out to play games including musical chairs, a balloon popping race, limbo, and to hit the piñata. There was much laughter and smiles everywhere you looked.

We said our final goodbye’s to the family by setting up chairs in the new house and eating a delicious cake brought by Gioconda’s family.  We took several pictures with the family and gave our final goodbye hugs before heading back to the hotel.  We ended our day with a small candle ceremony on the rooftop of the hotel to give well wishes and prayers to the family that they may continue to receive God’s blessings and to hopefully be able to pass along those blessings to their children and community.

~Joe