Testimonials

Please feel free to email anyone on these pages for further information.

I wanted to first thank Joe, Oscar, and Judy Baker for making the experience that Katie and I had working with "From Houses to Homes" a truly rewarding experience.  We both benefited from our work with you and your staff, including Fernando and Edgar.  We enjoyed embarking on and accomplishing a very different task and objective than we normally do in our daily lives.  The sense of accomplishment, success and most importantly the chance to take part in helping to provide a home for a family in need was something that we will never forget and we thank you for that.  We expect to volunteer again in some capacity in the future.

Joe Kiefer & Katie Kiefer
Westfield, NJ

Joseph.Kiefer@occ.treas.gov

June 28, 2008

Thank you to everyone who has donated to From Houses to Homes-Guatemala and I would like to especially thank the churches and service organizations who believe in our mission and have helped considerably.

Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Order of Malta, New Jersey Area

http://www.maltanewjersey.org

St. Luke's Church, P. O. Box 605, Gladstone, NJ 07934

http://stlukesgladstone.org/

Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 176 Cooper Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

http://www.unioncong.org/index.html

The Community of God's Love, 70 West Passaic Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070

http://thecgl.org/home.htm

Saint Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

http://www.stagnesnj.com/default.aspx

Saint Thomas More Church, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

http://www.stmparish.com/index.html

The Church of the Assumption BVM, 91 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 -

http://www.assumptionparish.org/

Church of Christ The King, Blue Mill Rd, New Vernon, NJ 07976 -

http://www.churchofchristtheking.org/

St Vincent de Paul R.C. Church, Bebout Ave, Stirling, NJ 07980 -

http://www.stvincentschurch.org/

Sacred Heart Church, Box 599, Comfort, TX 78013

NorthPointe Community Church, 456 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA 19468 -

http://www.northpointecommunity.org/

First Presbyterian Church of Neenah, 200 Church Street, Neenah, WI 54956 -

http://www.neenah.presbychurch.org/

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 South Commercial St, Neenah, WI 54956 -

(From Houses to Homes-Guatemala has been selected as the International recipient of mission funds for 2007)

http://www.our-saviors.org/

Dry Ridge Christian Church, 13 School Street, Dry Ridge, KY 41035

Knights of Columbus 7599, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

http://www.kofc7599.org/index.php

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation, Inc., PO Box 5342, Parsippany, NJ 07054 -

http://www.parsippanykiwanis.org/

Rotary Club of Randolph, Randolph, NJ 07869 -

June 2, 2008

I just got back from Guatemala today and I wanted to send you an email saying "thank you!!"  What a wonderful organization you have established.  It was 5 times better than I expected.  All of the Guatemalan workers were so nice, patient, friendly and fun to be around.  Overall, I really really enjoyed it.  Antigua was a perfect location to stay and even though we didn't originally plan on doing any site-seeing we were able to visit volcan pacaya & lake atitlan.  It was absolutely wonderful.   I have already begun talking to people at work about how great it was and several of my friends are interested in coming - probably during winter break.  After talking with them, I thought it would be a really good idea if I could start a club/organization here at the University of Kansas to help raise money, get volunteers involved and spread the word about "from houses to homes".   I wanted to try and get enough donations to finance an entire house (which I guess is $1,500) so it could be a house donated by the students of the University of Kansas.  Also, I was thinking of organizing some alternative spring/winter break trips so students could go to Guatemala and share in the experience (kind of like that group from Clemson was doing while we were there last week).  Once again, I really enjoyed the whole experience!!

May 27, 2008

Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed the program. The staff, including Oscar and everyone else, was excellent. They were all very helpful, friendly, and professional. They really made the experience a great one. They were constantly joking around and laughing from the time that we met up in the mornings until we parted ways after the drive back to Antigua each afternoon.
 
I found the work to be very physical, but not overly demanding. This varied by day. I found that the days became easier as the project progressed. Honestly, I think that playing soccer with the staff and other volunteers was typically more tiring than the work was. On that note, I loved that we all played soccer every few days. How many chances do you get to play soccer in Guatemala with Guatemalans? I had a great time.
 
My host family experience was also very positive. The woman who owned the house (Dona Clara) was very kind and accomodating, and was an excellent cook. I would appreciate it if you could pass the word along to Oscar for me as I don't have his email address.
 
I used my free time on the weekends to see the major sites in Guatemala. I volunteered for three weeks, which meant that I had four weekends to explore the country. In that time, I hiked the Pacaya volcano and went to Livingston (island in the Carribean,) Lake Atitlan, and Tikal (Mayan ruins.) All were amazing in their own ways. Pacaya was great because you can actually walk right up to the lava. The culture of Livingston was really different than anything I've ever experienced before. Lake Atitlan was beautiful and relaxing. Finally, Tikal was gorgeous, interesting, and very impressive.
 
I also loved living in Antigua. The town is very small and cozy, and at the same time has a variety of great restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. There seemed to be some type of street festival every week. The town was simply beautiful.
 
The recipient families also made the project great. The kids were always running around and talking to us, and the adults were very appreciative for our help. One family even wrote us all a letter thanking us for our help and telling us that their dream would never have been realized without our help. It was very touching. I think the best part of the project for me was watching the excitement and happiness in the kids' faces as the houses neared completion. They were just plain adorable.
 
Overall, everything about my three weeks in Guatemala was amazing. I ate great food, met plenty of new friends, played, traveled, and of course gave the gift of two comfortable and secure homes to families that wouldn't have been able to afford them on their own.
 
I'm sure that I'm leaving things out, but there were simply too many great aspects of my trip to list them all. Please pass along my thanks to the crew for making the trip so wonderful.
 
As far as comments regarding potential changes to the program, I wonder why cement mixers aren't used and whether that might cut down on time and labor expenses. I also wonder why cement isn't transported in wheel barrows as opposed to in buckets. Of all the tasks that I performed during my time with the project, I have to say that carrying wet, heavy buckets of cement was the only one that I truly disliked.

May 25, 2008

We came from Clemson, SC in the name of our parish (St. Andrew Church), but more specifically in the name of our parish's Campus Ministry: four college students and one campus minister. We came as a response to our Faith that calls us to action.  Our experience in Guatemala was very much like the experience of others (read below).  We worked hard, we fell in love with the family, we enjoyed the camaraderie of the other volunteers, we were taken well care of by Oscar and everyone at the office and worksite, etc...But writing strictly from a Catholic Christian perspective, the only word that really does justice to describing this experience is "Eucharistic."  Each day as we sweated in the hot sun digging and lifting and shoveling and cementing, as we took breaks and played with the children, as we joked around with our new friends from Guatemala, England and Las Vegas, as we marveled at our crew chiefs who did everything with effortless ease, and as we grew in solidarity with two families, we had a profound connection to what we do on Sundays.  From our point of view, the Spirit of Jesus presides over this project and is no doubt saying, "This is my body." 

Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of it!

Fred T. Mercadante
Associate Campus Minster
St. Andrew Church
Clemson, SC
fmercad@CLEMSON.EDU

May 20, 2008

It all started when 5 children were challenged by their grandmother to decide how to donate money to charity. With them, she established an organization called P.I.R.K.K.L. (one initial for each grandchild plus one for grandma) and went about saving all solicitations from non-profit organizations for one year. She had the grandchildren sort the mail, and then decide to whom they wanted to give money. Our son Paul, then age 6, saw the pamphlet From Houses to Homes and proudly announced that he found a place that was in Guacemole….and so a friendship with Joe Collins was born. Joe came to visit grandma when she was hosting “summer camp” for the grandchildren and shared a slide show with the kids. Our daughter Kerri was taken right then and there. Kerri decided to sell bracelets at her school to raise money for land for Joe’s special Guatemalan children, Roberto and Leticia.

The next challenge was to raise the money to actually get to Guatemala, which she did. We arrived in Guatemala City on March 8th and proceeded to spend 12 of our happiest days together. We spent one night in a hotel and then went to stay with a wonderful Guatemalan family right in the middle of Antigua. Since we arrived during Lent, the City was busy and full, and we had to walk from our hotel to our host family with all of our luggage. Joe Collins met us and brought Roberto and Leticia, who were thrilled to navigate luggage with wheels through the cobbled streets of Antigua. Our hostess Clarita spoke no English and Kerri and I speak no Spanish, but through the good introductions of Oscar, the From Houses to Homes Guatemalan project manager, we got along splendidly.

After a quiet night at Clarita’s, we headed off to the From Houses to Homes office to start our build. Each day started with people arriving at the office and mingling on the sidewalk. The sun was always shining, and the mood was relaxed and friendly. The Guatemalan masons were at the office when we got there, as were Oscar and Joe. Everyone is taken out to the project site in pick-up trucks. For Kerri, who is 13, riding on the back of a pick-up truck with the wind whipping through her hair, was pretty special.

Joe had sent us pictures of the family for whom we would be building. There was a mother, a father, and three adorable girls, ages 1, 3, and 5. From the moment that Kerri and I arrived at the build site on the first day, I felt a connection to this woman. She had a lovely smile, and an infectious laugh. Her girls were cute, and playful, and happy to see us. It seems unfathomable that this lovely woman was living in a dirt shack. Because you are building right where the family currently lives, you get to see what happens in the lives of these people up close. There is little or no electricity and life is largely lived outdoors. It is a hard and simple life, and one that Kerri and I couldn’t imagine.

It turned out that our project had a “girls only” volunteer crew. There was Sam from England, and Kate from Australia, and Jenny from Sweden. We were certainly happy to have two outstanding Guatemalan masons showing us what to do. In addition, the father of the family for whom we were building was able to help us for some of the time. He was a master mixer, and saved us more than once with our hand cement mixing. In addition, we were greeted by a Scottish film crew when we got to the construction site, and we were filmed for most of our days working. That part of the experience is not typical, but it did add some flavor to our build!

Each day we spent about 6 hours building. The first few days were spent carrying blocks, mixing concrete, and hauling endless buckets of water, gravel, cement, etc. As the week progressed and our house got higher, we became experts at walking on scaffolding and putting mortar between the concrete blocks. The last day was spent painting, both inside and out. The pace was relaxed, but we did work hard each day. We went home exhausted and filthy each afternoon, and grateful for all that we have.

At various times each day, Kerri would wander away from the building site, and start to play with the children. There were the three girls for whom we were building, as well as all of the neighboring children. She led them in games and was delighted that they all understood her, even though she spoke no Spanish. On one particular day, Kerri organized a game of bowling. I don’t think that they had even heard of bowling, but Kerri had the children carefully fill up plastic water bottles with dirt, and then line up the “pins” in the triangular shape. They each took turns bowling the purple plastic ball down the dirt hill towards the pins. Kerri seemed right at home, and the children looked like they would be happy to keep her around for entertainment indefinitely!

On the last day of the build, there was a brief ceremony where the house was officially given to the family. Oscar said a few words, in Spanish and English, and he ended by handing over the keys to the front door. It’s hard to describe the feeling at the end of the week. I was happy that we had accomplished something, and grateful that I had been able to experience this with my 13-year old, and sad that our lives are so materialistic when these people have almost nothing. If only we could have less and they could have more.

Kerri and I experienced so many things during our trip it’s hard to express them all. We were both moved and shocked by the poverty, but also mesmerized with the kindness and beauty of the Guatemalan people. These people live in corn stalk shacks and have to forage for fire wood and food. It is a life that is so far removed from our fast and frenzied world. We learned so much from them, just being surrounded by them. Kerri and I would go back in a heart beat!

Nancy Dougherty
Maplewood, NJ
nancydo3@comcast.net

May 7, 2008

I went out to Guatemala with no real idea what to expect, feel or see. I had arranged to work with 'from houses to homes' through another organization and as I was going for quite some time I had a hankering to try some volunteer work.

Houses to Homes ticked a lot of boxes for me and I suppose I was feeding my 'ego.' A little research would have given me an idea what I had let myself in for. It would have only given me an idea though.
 
We all know poverty exists, but back home it is very easy to ignore, close your mind to and simply get on with your own life. Once out there and having to see it, in the flesh, so to speak it is a different thing altogether.
 
My first impression was not good. I don’t really know how to describe what I felt, maybe guilt or simply relief that I was born Nicholas Sanders, Englishman and not Juan, hometown Alotenango. However, it is surprising how quickly you get used to surroundings and after a few days it wasn’t so hard. The people don’t seem that unhappy, I suppose what you don’t know you don’t miss, and if this is all you know then it isn’t hard to live there.
 
However, we know and it isn’t right. What 'Houses to Homes' is trying to do is well worth your time and support. The boys you, I, worked with are a good bunch and I will look back on my time there with a great deal of affection. I had a really good time and enjoyed myself no end. Added to that is the knowledge that in some small way I have helped make a families life better. You only have to look at the children’s faces as the house nears completion to know how much this means to them. A little can often go a long way, and Houses to Homes is proof.
 
Go out there and see for yourself, you will be in for some hard work and a very rewarding time, you wont regret it.

Nic Sanders
nicontour@hotmail.co.uk

April 13, 2008

In March 2008, our spring vacation was spent working on a house build for Joe Collins's organization "From Houses to Homes". We were fortunate enough to stay with Richard and Susan Schmaltz, whose organization, "Oneness" encouraged us to "Take a trip of service instead of a luxury vacation and come back feeling energized from having been of service to others". www.oneness.ca

Our 17 year old summed up the trip in a word - Enlightening!

My husband believes that as a family, we have a deeper appreciation of the need for assistance to others, and for the numbers of people who are already devoting their energies to these worthwhile endeavors.

For my part, I know that I will always carry the Morales family in my heart.

Thank you Richard and Susan for providing safe haven and continuous validation, thank you Joe and Oscar for providing the platform for house 128, and to Ernie, Fernando and the crew - it was a pleasure getting to know you! Keep up the good work, we hope to return!

Bruce, Mary and Chris Devenny
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

March 16, 2008

It must have been divine intervention or something along those lines which led me to Joe Collins and his wonderful organization, From Houses to Homes.  Less than one month after discovering his organization (while cleaning up for recycling and discovering a newspaper article about him,) I was in Guatemala with my 2 children (home from college for winter break.)   Upon arrival, the country seemed so foreign to us, but after a short time we felt very comfortable and welcome.  The people we met in Guatemala were so warm, friendly and kind.  The staff at Joe’s office in Antigua, Guatemala were supportive, responsive, and just so NICE!
We still miss our team of workers:  the other volunteers, and our new Guatemalan friends, who welcomed us into their world, and made us feel a part of it.  At the work site, we were shown what needed to be done, and you could do as much or as little as you wanted or were able.  These guys are the hardest working, most fun group of people I could have ever wished to work with.  And they just emanate warmth and happiness.   Not only did we build a house, but I felt like we built bonds. 
The families that you help by donating time and/or money to From Houses to Homes, are very poor as far as what they own, but they are happy and showed us the importance of the bonds of family and community.  They want to have a better life for their families.  The appreciation and genuine thanks they convey to From Houses to Homes, and those who help is so evident.  Upon completion of the new home, I had so many different emotions.  Pride, happiness, love, and also sadness to be leaving our new friends.  I can’t wait to go back again.  I recommend it to anyone who wants a moving, life-altering experience.  From Houses to Homes is a small non-government organization, so your donations are put to the best possible use.  In addition to building secure, safe homes and providing some basic furnishings,  From Houses to Homes buys school supplies so that children can afford to go to school, as well as providing health care to those in need.
Seeing and doing is believing! 

Barbara Kelly
barbkell@patmedia.net

March 16, 2008

I had no idea what to expect when I came to Guatemala. What I discovered was that the country is absolutely beautiful and the Guatemalan people are very friendly, but the conditions many people lived in are still so beyond my comprehension. Of course, there is poverty in the United States, but I was disturbed by how widespread it was in Guatemala. Across the green, mountainous countryside are people living in cornstalk shanty towns, often without electricity or running water.

The mother of the family for whom we were building the house, Lydia, and her two children, Janet and Ceasar, were around during the day and we often brought candy or toys for the children in the village to play with. The father, Julio, was away working during the day, although he was able to stop by a few times while we were working. One day we brought a few containers of bubbles and the kids were elated. My mom blew bubbles for them while they leaped around, swinging their arms and squealing in delight. It was wonderful to be able to bring so much happiness with something seemingly so small and simple.

On the last day, when we finished painting our house blue and green, the colors Lydia had chosen, From Houses to Homes held a small ceremony with the family whom the house was for and those of us who had helped to build it. Oscar spoke to all of us, switching back and forth between Spanish and English, while many of the village members crowded outside the door and window to listen. The family was so appreciative, though it was hard to imagine how much this house meant to them. They went from living in a tiny cornstalk hut to a sturdy cement block house with a good roof complete with a skylight, a door with a lock, and a window. I urge everyone to go down to Guatemala and build a house for a family with From Houses to Homes. It will be one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of your life. There is no question in my mind that I will go back and volunteer again.

Working with everyone in Guatemala was an amazing experience. Because the organization is small, I was able to get to know all of the people we were working with – despite not knowing any Spanish – and the feeling of community was truly inspiring. The team of Guatemalan workers that lead our building project were so helpful and welcoming, it was very hard to have to say goodbye when the time came. Some of my fondest memories are from the drive between Antigua and the village, Alotenango, where we were building, in the back of the pickup trucks with the rest of the volunteers and workers. The work itself was hard but immensely rewarding and humbling. I realized the extent of the privileges that we have at home, and the degree to which we take them all for granted. Helping people less fortunate than I really put my life into perspective and I am more aware and thankful of the opportunities and things I have now than I ever could have been before. Thank you, Joe, for your help and company while we were in Guatemala, and for organizing this great cause.

Alex Mart
alexmart@eden.rutgers.edu

March 8, 2008

Just returned from Antigua Guatemala and want to say how impressed I am with Joe's organization "From Houses to Homes". I and 14 others spent 12 days there building houses for two families.  Their joy in having a safe sturdy home will stay with me forever.  I hope to return next year and do the same.

Thank you for your vision, dedication and perseverance and obvious love of the Guatemalan people.  It was a pleasure to be able to come and help build homes.  My life has changed.
 
Pat Barker
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Patter60@aol.com

February 2, 2008

After much international travel engaging in service projects, helping to build a home in Guatemala is one of the most meaningful things I have done. I love the directness and the hands-on quality of the fromhousestohomes project. $1,500 buys a house, workers and volunteers in a variety of languages mix cement and create a much improved home for a very impoverished family. One can go down and see for themselves the genuineness of this organization. I have worked for and with many non-profits in a variety of fields and would recommend this experience to anyone either physically going to work or generously giving a donation. The other aspect that I loved about this organization is that not only have there been over a 100 homes built but the existence and manifestation of Joe's vision has provided livelihood to 7 terrific Guatemalans. Riding to work in a pick up truck with them is worth the trip alone!
It's a pure, direct way to serve. I plan to go back and fundraise for From Houses to Homes.

Jessica Rasp
jcuba5@aol.com

January 12, 2008

In October this year my friend and I took the opportunity to visit and volunteer in Guatemala.

We made a decision to volunteer directly through From Houses to Homes instead of paying an agency in London.  We could therefore give more of our money as a donation direct to the organisation and we are very pleased we decided to do this.

Not knowing what to expect during our month in Antigua we had a few questions which Joe responded to immediately.  He also kindly arranged our accommodation and our transport from the airport.

Once we arrived at Guatemala airport, Freddy our driver, made us feel very welcome and took us directly to our host family.  We began work the next day with three other volunteers whom we would now consider our friends. 

Every morning when we arrived at the office for our days work, Oscar, Evelyn and the brilliant team were so friendly and made our trip even more enjoyable and memorable.

For anyone considering this type of volunteer work, don't hesitate, please contact Joe or Oscar, you will never regret it!

This is a life changing experience to help those who are less fortunate than us.  Thank you to all the team and especially Joe for making one of our dreams come true!

Michelle Griffin and Jo Quinn
Brisbane, Australia
shell.griffin@gmail.com

October 27, 2007

A video of the Viola Family's of Collegeville, PA mission trip to Guatemala this past July produced by Dan O'Connor of Polaris Productions (polarisproductions@comcast.net)

http://gallery.mac.com/polarisproductions/100068

October 19, 2007

If you are wondering why it took me so long to write this testimonial (we went to Guatemala in July 2007), it is because it is so difficult to put this incredible experience into words. When people ask me how my trip to Guatemala was, I answer, "It was amazing on so many levels.”
Why Guatemala? I first became involved with and interested in this beautiful country via adoption. My 11-year-old son, Sam, was born in Guatemala and became a blessing in my life when he was six months old. I have since adopted a little girl from Guatemala, as well. When I went to Guatemala the first time to bring my son home, my husband, and I were amazed at what we saw. It is lush beautiful country physically, and a country of much tradition and culture. Unfortunately, it is also a country where 75% of the country lives below the poverty level. I have never forgotten my first experience there and have always felt a call to bring change or some form of assistance.
After being involved with other charities, I became even more interested when I heard about the mission of From Houses to Homes (FHTH). Joe Collins, founder and executive director, is truly one of God’s heroes. He has created an excellent opportunity to do service work and bring change to the people of Guatemala.
I always knew that I wanted to take my son back to the country of his birth. I think it important that we all understand our own history. Why this summer? I just knew it was the right time. So, my family - my husband, my son, my stepdaughter, and myself - planned this service trip for about a year. I left my four-year-old daughter at home this time. We traveled with friends of ours who also have a son adopted from Guatemala. Our plan was to go to Guatemala and build a home for a family.
Having been to Guatemala twice in regards to my daughter’s adoption, I had the opportunity to visit some families in a mountain village outside of Antigua. I visited a family that consisted of a mother and nine children. On their property were three little huts. There were no toys of any kind for these kids to play. Thus, I jokingly said to my travel companion, "I want to bring our children to Camp Dirt someday - a place where children have nothing but have bright smiles.”
I told my son he had to do a service project for the children of Guatemala. He came to me a couple of days later with the idea of kites. I said, “Kites?” I thought it was a funny idea considering that some of these kids don’t even have a pair of socks. It was his idea, and I know he is very insightful, so I contacted Joe Collins and asked him what he thought of the idea. He explained to me about the Sacatepequez Festival. In Guatemala, All Saints Day is celebrated with kites. However, the poor children fly plastic bags on the end of a stick, as they cannot afford kites. So, as it turned out, kites were a great idea. (You can see a note about his kite project at From Houses to Homes.) We also collected a whole bunch of other things to bring to the families and children, including all sorts of neat little toys and crayons.
Our first day at the site was on Monday. We drove up the side of a volcano into a little village called Santa Maria de Jesus. We arrived at the property of the families for whom we would build homes. We were all very guarded at first so as not to disrespect these families in any way. After all, this is their home. It did not take me long to realize that this was going to be an amazing experience, one that I would-never forget, and, frankly, I think about it every day.
Through our translator, Oscar, the husbands and wives wanted to express their gratitude to us for coming to build their house. I had Oscar tell them that I was grateful for the opportunity. Truer words have never been spoken. We all just started working. There is a job for everybody, big or little, weak or strong. Everyone helped in some way, including the children who would live in this home.
I have never done this type of physical labor. My husband works in the construction business, so he was somewhat familiar with the effort. VERY IMPORTANT: GOD’S WORK IS NOT DIFFICULT. I am telling you, and I have pictures to prove it. This 52-year-old, not very strong woman, lifted spackle buckets of concrete with no difficulty and with a smile the whole time. I did masonry; I lugged heavy block and stone and never stopped smiling. It is actually funny to watch someone who never did this kind of work do it. I loved every minute!
We started with a foundation, each day we added rows of block, and, over the course of the week, we watched our work turn into a home - a beautiful one at that. When taking breaks from house building, I played with the children and learned many lessons from the Moms and Dads. The children ranged from about a year old to 19 years old. They all had huge smiles when we taught them how to blow bubbles. The sound of their laughter runs deep in my heart.
The Mom who would live in the house that my family was building taught me how to make tortillas, a staple in their diet. Well, let me put it this way, she tried to teach me. I also accompanied her to get water. We walked about a half mile. She carried two five-gallon buckets, one on her head and one on her back. I struggled to carry one bucket. I was pleased I could give everyone on the street that day a great laugh. I would be writing all day if I tried to tell you everything we did with these families above and beyond building a house. If I am ever feeling low, I just have to reach into my mind for one of many, many wonderful memories.
By Friday, we had built our house, and the next thing to do was to paint it. Our family chose blue, as the Mom said to me through hand gestures, the color of the sky. It is beautiful. The young Guatemalan men who work for FHTH put in the door and a window. (By the way, all the Guatemalan men that work for the charity are kind and dedicated men. They are grateful for the opportunity to have a job in a country where jobs are scarce and a job that is so rewarding at that. Some of these young men live in homes built by FHTH.) Alas, the home is complete. It is beautiful and vibrant. This is a very bittersweet moment. We have completed what we set out to do.
There is always a ceremony when the homes are completed. The family is presented with a key to their new home. This ceremony involves many expressions of gratitude from the families and those of us who volunteered. There are also many tears of joy shed, along with great smiles of gratitude. The volunteers this week had built three homes on this property. These three families were related - 6 parents and 13 children. They surprised us with a cake and two bottles of Coca-Cola. Please understand how huge this is for them. These men work in the fields for maybe $2 a day. That cake and soda were one of the deepest expressions of gratitude that I have ever experienced.
We finally had to say our good-byes to our new friends. These families changed my life and brought me such joy; I will never forget. There is no mail, no email, and no cell phone way to keep in touch. This was a very difficult good-bye.
One of the girls was named Maria Carmelina. I think of her as a very vibrant human being. She is 12 and lives in poverty, however was so full of life that I can only say when she laughs the world laughs with her. I will never forget seeing her and her cousin looking out the window of their new home for the first time. Have you ever seen someone look out a window for the first time? It was an incredible site to see. I cannot tell you enough what a great experience this was. Joe, Oscar, and all the people who work for FHTH make it so. They see that you are comfortable and guide you through this experience through understanding, laughter, and abundant appreciation. Do not miss an opportunity of a lifetime.
As we drove away and I threw treats to all the children and people on the street, I realized my life had just been changed. I was deeply touched by an experience that I only wish everyone in the world could enjoy. My family all agreed that this was our best vacation ever...we mean ever...better then Disney World...better then anything. We became closer and together enjoyed the experience of changing lives.
As we drove back down the Volcano, my son said, from the back of the van, “Hey Mom, you know what we did this week?' I said, "What’s that?" Sam said, “We walked with Jesus.” I said, "We sure did.” I became very tearful remembering that a few months before the priest at our church had talked about walking with Jesus. Sam was listening. Thank you, God!

Judy Baker
Mt. Tabor, NJ
malamommy@optonline.net

October 18, 2007

On my trip to Guatemala I got to see many interesting sights, interesting dining experiences and many other things that are amazing. The Don Rodrigo was the best place to eat in my opinion because the food is fantastic or as you say in Spanish, "fantastico” As we were having dinner one night 5 ladies walked by our table dressed in costumes. These colors were drenched in the colorful fabrics, shapes, and of course many interesting patterns. They went into the next room and we followed. They had begun to dance.  It was very interesting to see a cultural dance like that. They were wearing masks that were many different animals.  It was fun to watch how they did these dances.  In the middle of the restaurant was a majestic garden. It was not the biggest garden but it was full of life. Near here I was staying in Antigua there were volcanoes. In the hotel where we were staying you could go up on the rooftop to see the view. You could see many of the beautiful buildings from there.  On many occasions you can see lava or smoke coming from the Volcanoes. Most important of my trip was the service work. If you go to Guatemala to do service work or are thinking of doing service work, FROM HOUSES TO HOMES is the way to go. My friend Joe first started this program. This is when you can build a new house for a Guatemalan Family.  The family starts out living in a cornstalk hut. Then we made a brick house. The whole family helps build the brick houses. It takes a week to finish it. You can also bring snacks, sweets, and toys for the kids. There are many other great things about Guatemala but you can find them out on your own. Please read this and you can go to a great place....GUATEMALA!

Sam Baker
Age 12

One Family’s Experience

I was so impressed with From Houses to Homes Guatemala and our family’s experience that I feel compelled to keep the momentum going, share our story and encourage other families and schools to join the cause to make a difference.

Selfishly when our family made the decision to spend our summer vacation building a home for a needy family in Guatemala we wanted not only to make a difference  in the lives of a Guatemalan family but to impact our family.  Realistically I did not expect the kids to stop asking for cell phones and ipods but I did hope that they would reflect at least momentarily  on the good fortune in our lives.  When I asked our 12 year old daughter how the first day of school went she shared begrudgingly that they had to go around the room and say what they were thankful for. “Well what did you say?”  I said; “I was thankful for my education because many children in the world do not have the opportunity to go to school"
 
Our experience;
Our family ( including my 11 year old niece from San Francisco) worked on a service team from Houses to Homes Guatemala to build 2 small concrete block homes for a family in Santa Maria de Jesus. (small town 30 minutes outside Antigua, Guatemala). The family had 9 children aged 9 months to 19 years and 2 grandchildren. The homes were for  the oldest son, his wife and 2 children and the remaining 8 children and their parents.  14 people lived in two small shacks made of corn stalk, with dirt floors  and no running water.   The homes we built were  12 x 19 foot homes, made entirely of concrete block, with  a cement floor, corrugated metal roof, a skylight, a metal door with lock, and a metal-framed window with glass.  We worked together with, the oldest son and the father, young college students from all over the world and a small crew of Guatemalan workers. When the children were not working in the corn fields they played beside the house. My most memorial moment was when I found my 7 year daughter playing catch with Susie (7 year old Guatemalan girl). Two children, without a shared language, playing together, so much in common but yet born into completely different worlds and opportunities. Only two children out of the 9 children have had the opportunity to go to school. The oldest son went to school until 6th grade and one other son has an American sponsor for school. School is a privilege. Children need money for registration, school supplies and uniforms. The school in Santa Maria de Jesus also is small, overcrowded and lacks essential equipment like desks.  The children have to carry the desks between classrooms.

I am only beginning to understand better how we begin to break the cycle of extreme poverty through adequate housing and education, one family at a time.
Upon our return many families and friends have asked how they can help? Here are some ideas:
1)     Pass this email on to others

2)    Go the website:  http://fromhousestohomes.org with your kids

a.     talk about how we can make a difference 1 dollar at a time

b.     encourage your children or your child’s school to fund raise(lemonade stands, garage sales)

3)    Make a donation

a.     $1,500:  Will cover the cost of building one new home and affix a plaque with your name on the home honoring your donation

b.     $200: Build a bunk bed with mattress, pillow, sheet & blanket

c.     $150: Buy a stove

d.      $80-$100: Tuition and school supplies for a child to attend school for one year.  Encourage your children or your child’s school to sponsor a child.

Through a couple of emails to friends and family we were able to sponsor all of the remaining children in the family we built for but many many more children remain on a waiting list

e.     Money towards building new schools

4)    Be part of a service team and go to Guatemala to help build a new home for a needy family. No experience necessary. You are asked donate $500.00 per person  or 1500.00/ family, plus pay for your own airfare and living expenses.

Tax deductable donations can be sent to:

From Houses to Homes-Guatemala, Inc.
X-12 Farmhouse Lane
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone number - 973-538-3987
For additional information contact Joe Collins, Executive Director :
E-mail address - info@fromhousestohomes.org

Thanks for your interest!

Dawn Phillips
Chapel Hill, NC
 phillidl@mindspring.com

September 3, 2007

Our trip to Guatemala became a mission trip in reverse for me. My adopted son was born in Guatemala and it was our intention to return to his homeland to give back to a people that had given us so much. We went to build a home for a poor family but what was given to us was so much more. The Guatemalan people have such a joyous spirit. In the midst of oppressive poverty they love with abundance, laugh with the ease of a child and find delight in the simplest of moments. They have taught me life lessons in gratitude and what it means to be family. Our families will forever be woven together, not only because of my son but because to the love that we shared.
Please consider partnering with From Houses to Homes. They are providing an opportunity to all of us to help a deserving people. We traveled with two of our children and from the start to the finish of our trip no detail was left unattended. It is a wonderful way to share with your children the many blessings we receive and a family bonding experience we will never forget.

Kate Viola
Collegeville, PA
Kate@ViolaInteriors.com

August 19, 2007

From Pennsylvania to Santa Maria de Jesus and back, my experience.

Dear all who are considering a trip to Guatemala with From Houses to Homes, do it! This is a fantastic experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Your life at home will be touched and enriched by the humble and appreciative people of Guatemala. From the Saturday afternoon we arrived in Guatemala City to the day we left, Joe, Oscar and his whole team treated us like friends, no brothers and sisters, like real family. Because we are real family and so are they. The ties that are created are real and lasting. The need for our help is also real and urgent. As I like to tell my friends that ask about my trip, there are 1.6 Million cornstalk shacks in Guatemala that families live in as their primary home but now there are three less. In the week that I was there we helped finish three homes in the small village of Santa Maria de Jesus a small village that exists in the shadow of Agua, the volcano near Antigua. Every morning we took a ride only 20 minutes away in time but a world away in conditions. These people need so, so much. But, don’t be discouraged! Our help is such an encouragement to them. Taking part, even in small ways is such a joy. A joy that feels like no other I have experienced. In the past my life in the USA has been measured on the wrong scale. If you want to reset your judgment system and put the right weights on your scale, please consider this trip. You won’t ever look back with anything but happiness and fond memories. The work that you do can be anything from the physical labor of moving cement blocks to interacting with the families to learning and watching how they cook tortillas. The time that you spend with the families that actually get the home that is being built is really cool. No matter what language, culture or religion a warm smile and a thank you are real and genuine. They really appreciate what From Houses to Homes continues to do and you can be a part of it! This experience was enhanced by the friendliness of Joe’s staff. I especially enjoyed the friendship of his crew and I appreciated how they have the same concerns for their families that we have for our own. Yet they choose to help others in a way that only they can. These homes are more than block and stone. They are a way to make a difference for a generation of children that will know that there is a way up and out of poverty. A gift of kindness from the Lord given through you. To all in Guatemala that are with From Houses to Homes, never stop loving and doing what you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dave Viola
Collegeville, PA
Dave@ViolaInteriors.com

August 19, 2007

July 3, 2007

Volunteering through Houses to Homes for a month was one of the most rewarding and special experiences I have ever been through. Actually being there, contributing and feeling part of something like this project, is not only rewarding and special for me, but seeing the families and the difference it makes to their lives was something I shall never forget.

The guys out there - Joe, Oscar, Henio, Saul, Juan y Fernando are a fantastic set of people who helped make my time there unforgettable. They teach you everything you need to know and make you feel very welcome and part of a team. I would encourage anyone to participate in this project, and am already planning to stop by next year to see all the guys again! Take care guys, stay cool and I'll see you again soon!

Richard Kang (Ricardo)
r1ch_kang@hotmail.com

July 2, 2007

This spring we found our way to Antigua, Guatemala and the project "From Houses to Homes", which has been the best experience we've ever had! The part about building the houses is great in itself, but the best of all was the incredibly good mood and spirit at the worksite, among the workers and the families altogether. The joy and thankfulness from the families you build the houses for, is irreplaceable, so real and pure - something to learn from.

One of us didn't have any experience in building houses, but that's NO problem - you learn everything you need to know about that from these great Guatemaltecos! It has been a privilege to work with these wonderful guys; they show so much joy and put so much energy in their work, making us very inspired to keep working! It's difficult to explain how much we recommend this project, but if you want to do something that really matters - do this. And one thing we can say for sure; the longer - the better, it really doesn't get boring, just more and more enriching, and even after 2 months!
 
A thousand times thank you to Joe, Oscar, Henio, Juan-Jose, Saul and Fernando! Muchisimas Gracias Amigos!
 
Best regards from Tarjei and Ingvild from Norway.

tarjeioh@gmail.com

June 25, 2007

Link to Real Gap website with a testimonial from recent volunteer, Keisha Narain -  http://www.realgap.co.uk/Keishas-Volunteer-Experience

Krisha Narain
keisha.123@hotmail.co.uk

April 21, 2007

I echo the sentiments of the others in describing this amazing experience in building a home for a Guatemalan family. Tears of joy and gratitude streamed down the face of Grandma Martina as she received her new modest home, and my joy was equal if not greater than hers. I may have given a little, but I received much more. I am so grateful to have had this experience and shared it with this kind-hearted group.

As Jack Johnson sings "I can change the world with my own two hands, make it a better place with my own two hands, make it a kinder place with my own two hands" and sincerely from my heart, I don't want this feeling to go away.

Kathy Straveler
Neenah, WI
kstraveler@new.rr.com

April 21, 2007

Building a new home for a Guatemalan family is not just physical, hard work. It is also getting to know the family members as well as the neighbors, especially the children. I have learned a great lesson from a neighbor girl, Maria, from our job site. I gave her a 5-piece pack of gum and was astounded with her generosity. She gave 4 pieces to the site workers and the last piece she split between 3 other children and herself.
 
We do not think we are doing much with building just one home, but we have impacted one family immeasurably. The work was hard but the joy on the family members' faces when they were handed their house keys was all worth it! All the dirt washes off but the feeling in your spirit stays forever.
 
Joe, keep up the fantastic work!
 
Nancy and Craig Ruddy
Redgranite, WI
Guatemala, March 3-17, 2007
ncruddy@netscape.net

April 17, 2007

Eyes filled with tears, smiles too wide to measure, excitement that was very measurable! This describes the moment when the key to their new home was received by 68 year old, Martina, her daughter Gloria, and the two grandchildren. On this day, they would be moving into a 12'X19' cement block home with their first window to look out of, their first door which they could lock and their first floor to sleep on that didn't consist of dirt!

We had the privilege of joining a group from this area to help build two houses. The people we worked with from Houses to Homes, the people from the neighborhood in which we built and the people who hosted us in their "home" all combined to make this a very memorable and meaningful experience. I hope we can promote this worthwhile experience so that many more people will be able to feel the satisfaction that we felt.

Kathy and Dave Grinsel
Neenah, WI
dgrinsel@new.rr.com

April 9, 2007

A group of 8 of us from Wisconsin had the opportunity to work with From Houses to Homes in early March and built two homes in Alotenango.  We had a wonderful experience that is very difficult to describe.  It was very rewarding on many levels, physical, emotional and cultural.  The work is hard, ending the day tired and sore, which is minor considering we are returning to a shower and clean bed which is not the case for the families which we were building for, who have a single water spicket to share for all their water needs and a bed in a corn stalk house on a dirt floor.  The families were so grateful to have a home built with a cement floor, window and a door that locks...so many things that we take for granted.  I was asked by our building site leader, Oscar, if this work made me happy?  I told him, what made me happy was giving back to those in need,  seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and the grandmother beaming in her new home, sharing stories with him, working side by side with Targei from Norway and Natalie and Paul from England and developing a closer bond with our work crew. We shared laughs and tears, blisters and sore muscles but most of all we shared a common spirit of helping those in need, one home at a time.  It was a fabulous experience, thanks to Joe and the crews for their dedication. We will be back!

Richard & Pam Garman
GARMARC@dhfs.state.wi.us
Neenah, WI

March 13, 2007

When people ask "how was your vacation in Guatemala" I tell them that "it wasn't a vacation, it was an experience."  Working, however briefly, with the team From Houses To Homes to help build a home outside of Antigua gave me an opportunity I never thought I would have.  I have seen the poor of Mexico, Bolivia and Ecuador.  I have "adopted" children in Peru and spent time in remote areas there.  But I have never had the chance to help, hands on, day-after-day, to improve the lives of the poorest.  To begin a home, from the first cement block, and to see it take shape under the unceasing hard work of Joe, Oscar, Henio, Juan Jose and Fernando, and the volunteers -- all but two of whom were over retirement age -- was inspirational.  It allowed me to see that we are never too old to help, to give back, to be a part of a world that few allow themselves to see. To do something that has real meaning in real lives.  A small, one room home to these families is the beginning of a whole new life.  A life of hope - that things can change and improve, even for them.  The desperately poor community was generous with their smiles when we arrived and jumped in to help carry heavy cement blocks to the site. Hungry though they were, the children were always ready to play and laugh. They knew the men of the From Houses to Homes Team like Uncles and joked with all of them - even "Don" Oscar who had his own special loving touch with them. I feel blessed to have been able to participate, if only for a very short time, in this wonderful effort.  I cried with Inocente, the mother of the family whose home I helped build, when it was time to leave. I feel certain that she is waiting for me to knock on her new door when I return to help build another home -- as I promised her I would.   I intend to keep that promise.
 
Susana Chiappa
susanne602@yahoo.com
New York, NY, USA

March 12, 2007

Joe, Thanks for the opportunity to help the poor in Guatamala. The people may be poor in financial terms but are rich in family values and spirit. I'm sure a lot of the volunteers say that they haven't worked as hard in years but I'll say that I've never worked as hard ever!!!!!! but....I've been rewarded by the smiles on the faces of those we helped. May God bless you for the wonderful work that you do.

J. Brian Moran
bmoran@patmedia.net
New Vernon, NJ

March 12, 2007

"We do not remember days, but moments." The moments that I will treasure for years to come are the following: warm early morning greetings from the people at the De Casas a Hogares office, the genuine "!Buen Dia!", handshake and hug from Joe, Evelyn,Oscar and the rest of the crew as they arrived; meeting our Guatemalan family of seven for the first time -their shy reservation quickly melting away to enthusiastic greetings (yes, more hugs!), shared hard work and good cheer, and shouts of "Manana" at the end of the day; Oscar's gentle ways, his great respect and love for his people; the teasing and smiles exchanged with our new friends-Henio, Juan Jose, Fernando and "Screetch"; working along side an international team of volunteers (Britain, Norway); convincing reluctant 16-yr old Irma that we really did want her in the photo, and later, her pride as our "official house build photographer" taking photos of others, deleting and magnifying to the delight of the young "ninos" surrounding her; the visits of the local women anxious and hopeful as they inquired about new homes for their families; the team work of young and old from 5-yr old Maria to baby-slinging Rosario to senior "avulea"when the u-bricks finally arrived for the next row and rebar insert; waking up after a day of digging, shoveling, sifting rock, cement mixing, hauling and actually being pain/strain-fre