Grace Building

For those of you that don't know...the meaning behind Grace Building is:

From my Aunt Patty:

So, my thinking pattern is a little different… I thought about this name a few days ago, thought of it when I fell asleep, thought about it again when I woke up at 3 am, and it was the first thing I thought of as I woke up this morning. … I LOVE the change/difference ideas and think we should put these into our ‘mission slogan or theme.’ I was thinking for a team name maybe something using the word, GRACE. “HOMES WITH GRACE”; “GRACE BT1″ (building team), BT2,etc… we actually could be BT3-BT5 since Alyssa built 2 homes already… “GRACE BUILDERS”. Anyway, I know this sounds simple at first, and maybe plain… But here is everything in that word ‘Grace’. 1) Grace is defined as God within us, it is that little voice inside of each that tells us what is right and wrong, and what to do, God’s grace in each of us is what lead us to choose to do this trip. 2) Which is equal to #1; Grace Dunsirn. Alyssa and Tim really started this mission many years ago when they chose to adopt their beautiful Grace from Guatemala. I know I would not be going on this trip if that event did not take place back then. Plus Grace will be ‘helping’ us to build a home. I also feel the Alyssa should get credit (though I know she would never ask for it) for each home that is built in Guatemala because of what she started. Jessi, Kevin and I are all using this trip as a ‘pilot’, with the hopes of bringing more family, youth groups and friends down to do the same in years to come.. BT9, BT20! How cool would that be! 3) We can create an acronym that describes this trip in many ways.. “G”iving – We are giving of ourselves, “R”eceiving – We are receiving a life lesson or “R”eleasing the love from within, “A”nswering, a call to serve or “A’sking nothing in return, “C”reating homes for families, “E”mpowering the families and ourselves… These are just some ideas, could be changed…
4) One of the meanings of the name Grace is “Goodness and Generosity” 5) When you are feeling low, they sometimes say you are running low on that Grace within you. By doing good, you restore that and create a good feeling back in yourself. We also will be creating a good feeling in the families who we are building for.

This is the gift From Houses to Homes gave me at the end of the week:

And this is the facebook post they had....

On Friday's after the painting is complete and the window, door and roof are installed there is a closing ceremony. Oscar or one of our other staff will explain to the family about the organization, what the gift of this home brings to them and what is expected. There are 2 things we expect from our recipients; take pride in their home, and pay it forward. Oscar explains that you do not need money to pay it forward; you can simply help a neighbor. He tells the family a little about the volunteers and what they do to make the trip to volunteer. It is very emotional to say the least. In this picture, Grace, who volunteered with the "GRACE" building group hands over the keys to the new homeowner. Grace was born in Guatemala and now lives in Wisconsin. Thank you Grace for retuning to your country of origin and making a difference!! You are a great role model and inspiration!!