There was a point in life where things were going off track a bit and the craziness was a little too much to handle, that is when a friend of mine came to me with an envelope and said here, fill this out, well get things back on track together.  Up until this point I had only heard of habitat for Humanity, but never really knew what it was all about.  You see, I was one of those people that fell in between the cracks of the system.  I have always worked very hard for what I needed, but never quite could get to the point to go forward.  One step forward and two steps back.  I was always over qualified for any assistance from anywhere, and struggling was a way of life.  I started to look into the program and see what it was all about.  Needless to say, I was amazed- finally a helping hand that I would qualify for and also not something that was just given to me.  I know this sounds funny to some people, but I really do enjoy working for what I get.  My momma taught me very early that anything worth having is worth working for. 

Well, I filled out my application, turned it in and started the process to build a new future for my family.  I really had no idea what I was in for, but there was hope for a beautiful ending.  The beginning process took time and patience, but at every turn there were lovely people that helped us through.  I realized as time went on, that this was way more than just a house that I would be getting.  The way the program is set up it gives you opportunities to grow and learn. 

As I attended the money management classes, I learned a better way to handle my finances.  I don’t know about you, but I had no idea how unprepared I was for emergencies and my future.  I know it is possible to be prepared and now I am working my way toward some sort of financial safety.  It is not easy, by any means, but when you have the tools, anything is possible.

When I got to the point in the program where I was able to go to the build sites my eyes were really opened to the magnitude of this amazing program.  The things that I learned on the job sites have proven priceless.  Just two weeks ago, I was on the roof of my house cleaning out my gutters.  Not something I would have seen myself doing, but I do now.  I was able to do many things I would have never otherwise done.  I learned how to do siding, roofing, and painting, laid sod, put down laminate flooring, grouted my own shower, with help of course.  The opportunities were endless, and the experiences were something I will never forget.  I was able to walk into a new construction or a rehab house and see the amazing transformation from where it started to the final product. 

Along this journey a lot of things that happened:  I found myself becoming a different person, a better person.  I started to hold my head up high again; I believed that I could really do this! You go to a job site in the morning to help out and get hours and by the end of the day you have more confidence and an understanding of another skill.  The site leaders, the job coordinators and the volunteers from all walks of life, are all there to accomplish one goal.  To provide a complete stranger with the greatest gift, the hope of a better tomorrow.  I know now that all things are possible and that I don’t have to do them on my own.  When I get home after work and think about where I am and what life has become, I just take a deep breath and remember where I was.  I now have more confidence in myself and I have this feeling of safety knowing that I am home, really home.  My home!  It is very different to see the kids and how they have changed.  They have a sense of belonging; it’s their room, their yard to play in, and their home.  We don’t have to move again, we’re home now!