TURNING WORDS INTO ACTIONS | Pictures of their trips
One goal held by REALTORS® is to help individuals fulfill the dream of homeownership. This requires a hands-on approach and some serious leg work.
This spring, three Lincoln REALTORS® literally took hands-on approach in providing a home for someone. Gloria Arons traveled to Honduras in March on a mission trip to build houses. Ron and Becky Herms traveled to El Salvador in April, where they were part of a 40 home “Blitz-build” project to provide homes for needy families.
When the opportunity to go on a mission trip to build houses in Honduras presented itself, Gloria said, “It was time to turn words into action!”
With only basic hand tools they built a 12 x 14 foot structure with no electricity or plumbing and a metal slanted roof. Everything used to build the house was carried by hand to the work site more than 1/4 mile from the road down a narrow rocky path.
“Probably not as nice as many garden sheds or playhouses in our area, yet the recipients of these homes were so grateful, pleased, and proud to have their own home. Many tears flowed as each home was dedicated to the new owner,” she said.
In the week Gloria was there, her church group built two homes, held vacation church school, served a meal to all the people of the village and hosted a popcorn and movie night in the village church with standing room only.
“Interacting with the local people was an incredible experience. Although we didn't speak the same language, they are warm people communicating through smiles and hugs,” Gloria notes.
Her experience left a lasting impression on her. Although Honduras is a beautiful country, the area she served was poor beyond imagination. Yet, she said the people were joyful and content with what they had-little more than the clothes on their back.
“I came home more grateful than ever for a warm shower, electricity, being able to go to a store to buy groceries, education and knowing that we are so blessed to have many choices in our lives.” Gloria said she will most likely return to Honduras in 2009.Ron and Becky Herms were among 16 volunteers from their church to visit Santa Anna, El Salvador, where they were part of a 40 home “Blitz-build” project to provide homes for needy families.
“Wow! What a rich rewarding experience to help someone and to know how much it means to them, just to know that someone cares enough to help,” said Becky.
The houses they built consist of two bedrooms with a third larger room that serves as a living area and kitchen, plus a ¾ bath. Each house is approximately 450 sq ft.
Two earthquakes and a hurricane following a 10 year civil war has devastated housing in El Salvador, and there is well over a 500,000 housing unit shortage.
But this wasn’t the first building project the couple has taken part in. Last year they traveled to Tanzania on a mission trip and the airport lost power shortly after they arrived. Since electrical power often goes out, Becky noted that most sewing machines are run with foot pedals.
Becky said the experiences made her appreciate even more what we have in our country and makes her realize what we all take for granted.
“It is an experience you’ll never forget” added Ron.
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