March 19, 2010

Judy Baker came to speak to our Adult Education group at the Presbyterian Church of Morristown last spring about “From Houses to Homes.” The concept of accomplishing a single project—building a home for a family in a week from start to finish—appealed to us, and, looking at the conditions under which many Guatemalan families have to live, our hearts went out to these families in need. We arrived in Antigua the weekend before the project began which gave us two days to get our bearings and fall totally in love with the Guatemalan weather (we hear it is 70 to 80 degrees year round, with cooler temperatures in the evenings and very little humidity), people (99% greeted us with a smile and a “buenos dias” as we walked down the street), foliage (in February, there were huge bundles of purple, pink, orange and white flowers blooming everywhere, draped over ancient stone walls, flowing over old doorways), and incredible history. On Monday morning, the first work day, we walked to the “From Houses to Homes” office in Antigua from our little hotel, and we were transported with our little group of volunteers and several contractors (the guys who actually know how to build a house!) to our site on the side of the dormant volcano, Volcán Agua. The family for whom we were building the house was made up of a widowed father with three young sons, and they all helped with the construction. The cinder blocks, concrete, roofing materials, sand and water were already at the site: some assembly required!

We were joined by a crew of neighborhood children who were incredibly shy when we arrived and wouldn’t say a word—and by the time we left, we were all amigos, and it was incredibly difficult saying goodbye. The contractors we worked with had learned English, and we quickly got to know them and their sense of humor, and we had a lot of laughs while lugging cinder blocks, mixing cement, filling the gaps between the cinder blocks with cement, handing endless buckets of concrete in a bucket line to secure rebar and make a floor—and it seemed to go so fast, progressing from the ditch for the foundation to the last layer of blocks before the roof, and then a floor and paint, and a front stoop with the words “Dios te bendiga” (God bless you) carved into the concrete by us volunteers, and then we were done. We had a small ceremony with the family in their new home and with Judy Baker, Joe Collins, Oscar (the guardian angel of all the projects), the contractors, us volunteers and all the children we had befriended. A woman who had worked on other Guatemala projects was also there and spontaneously decided to donate bunk beds to this family who had previously been sleeping on blankets on their dirt floor. We left them with large bags of groceries, toiletries and things for their home. The house would be a safe, clean environment for the boys, and their old bamboo, corn stalk and recycled wood shack would be used solely as a kitchen—which I thought might cure the chronic cough that the three boys had, probably from living in that one room with the dirt floor and the fire constantly smoking near them. So there was a house built in a week, follow-up care to be provided for this family, and relationships built in this beautiful country. We are so grateful to God for this opportunity; we had a fabulous, fulfilling time and are planning to go back for another project as soon as we can!

Judith and Tom Eckhard
House # 296, February/March, 2010 trip
jteckhard1@verizon.net

March 2, 2010

Dear Joe and the staff of FHTH:

Thank you so much for making it possible for our family to have such a wonderful experience in Guatemala. I particularly appreciate how welcoming you were to Samantha, our 8 year old. It was wonderful having her participate in the build, and having her see first hand what life is like in other parts of the world and the contribution she can make. In her words:

"It was hard work but it was awesome because you know that you're helping someone who is in need. You can really see that are doing something good. You're not just sending money. You're actually there and can see for yourself. The best part was meeting Blanca. Even though we couldn't really understand each other, I could tell that she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met."

It is hard to imagine that the lives of a family can be changed by the construction of a one-room house that is smaller than most New York studio apartments. And yet, for this family, in their world, we could see that it is a huge change. I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this build. To be able to reach out from my life and touch these people's lives; to make a connection and give a little of what I have to someone else, is a great gift. As always, the giver receives so much more than the recipient. It is important to be reminded that whatever we deem unsatisfactory in our lives is really nothing at all. To be around people whose hearts are so full despite having so little is quite a teaching. I look forward to returning to Guatemala and building more with you soon.

Jessica Sporn
jsporn499@comcast.net

February 14, 2010

We both loved spending a month working with FHTH and it truly was a life-changing experience. It is not often that you get the chance to work so closely together with people and gain a first-hand understanding of what your time and money is helping to accomplish. It was so lovely to get to know the families and to spend lunchtimes chatting, learning about differences in our culture and playing with the kids. We also made some really good friends with the builders and other volunteers and will miss them a lot.

It has helped inspire me to change my career and do something more worthwhile in my work and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. It isn't really possible to describe how great it feels at the handover ceremony to see and understand just how welcome your help has been and the difference it has the potential to make. I only hope that I can learn to keep everyone we worked for in mind and to continually be thankful for all the things that come so easily to some of us and not others.

I can't express strongly enough how much I would recommend someone to come and join you and we deeply want to thank everyone who is a part of the FHTH team for the great work that you all do and for letting us be a part of it.

Ian and Suzy Crawford
ianlewiscrawford@yahoo.co.uk

September 17, 2009

My family and I made our first trip to Guatemala with From Houses to Homes this past summer… and I feel like I’ve been writing this testament since the day we arrived. I think it’s taken me some time to put into perspective everything that this trip has meant to us…. And my view continues to evolve. Our family consists of myself, my husband, and our two daughters ages 7 and 14. We live in Morris County, NJ, a very well-to-do community where our children are basically wanting for nothing. We first found out about these efforts in Guatemala many years ago and have thought briefly about going in the past… but it was this year, as our older daughter was beginning high school… and asking us for $75. jeans to wear… that we knew this was our time. It was seeming more and more important, especially for our children, to make this trip and really try to understand how people live in other countries, in hopes of gaining some understanding of how lucky we truly are. We have a plaque in our kitchen which reads “To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be Required”… and we’ve always talked a good talk to our children about how important it is to give back, but it was time to really walk the talk.

How my perspective continues to change about this trip is all about our expectations, and how we gained so much more by this giving, than we could have expected or hoped for. I can clearly recall our first day, riding up the mountain in the back of our pick-up ride, having not even actually started our work yet… but my whole family agreed “I would totally do this again”. There was just something brewing in the air about the work we were about to begin, and we knew it felt good. We then spent 6 entire days living and loving with the most beautiful family in Guatemala. We were expecting the “living”… we knew we would be working in the middle of this family’s life, right in their yard, helping to build their new house… but what we weren’t expecting was the true love that would grow and that we would all share in these 6 days. Our family consisted of Cristina and Francisco and their 6 children, ranging in age from 15 to 8 months, who had always been living in their cornstalk shack with the dirt floor. My husband immediately became friends with Francisco… after all, they were both men doing their best to provide for their families. When Francisco wasn’t traveling back and forth to work, he was right in there with us, mixing cement, laying block and watching his house grow. I instantly bonded with Cristina. I felt her heart, her love for her children, the hard work of her life, the weight of this life that sits on her shoulders. We shared our few words, separated by our language barrier, about being the same woman, just in different parts of the world. She kept thanking me for coming, and I kept thanking her for welcoming me, and we cried many heart-felt tears together during 6 days.

But most importantly, my girls grew up. This was poverty as they had never seen or imagined before. There were no comforts in these lives. There were no ipods or down comforters, or neatly wrapped-up fruit snacks to pack in your lunch, and certainly no $75. jeans. But from the first day we arrived, my daughters had no fear about this new world they were seeing. They didn’t stand back and observe… they jumped in and lived… and loved the children with all their hearts. These were children just like them, who had – quite by the luck of the draw – been born in Santa Maria de Jesus rather than somewhere else. My girls grew up during these 6 days. They built that house and shared the joy and shared the tears. They worked hard, like they’ve never worked before. And on the final day, when that beautiful, blue house was completed and was being dedicated to this family… who would be handed keys to a door that locks… my girls got it. They got it when Cristina spoke up and said “in my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined that my family would ever live in a house made out of block”. They knew, in that moment, that they had changed lives… and that they are lucky. We build a house and this family will now make it their home.

As we’ve come home to our lives in New Jersey, we have continued to talk about them… what are they doing right now? How is Oscar? And baby Sheni? I think about Cristina, as I’m preparing dinner in my kitchen, flicking on my stove or storing my food in the fridge, I think about how she’s doing it there… how she’s taking care of her children. I believe that my girls have changed forever their ideas about giving, they have learned that they CAN make a big difference in people’s lives, and they have learned how much it fills your heart when you give like this. Most importantly, my girls understand exactly what it means that “… much will be required” of them since they have been given so much. None of us can wait to go back to Guatemala in the summer of 2010. I hope to go every year, and I hope to visit our first family… who will live in our hearts forever. Thank you so much to From Houses to Homes for bringing this unforgettable experience into our lives.

Phil & Jessica Sbona
Morristown, New Jersey
sibona@optonline.net

September 3, 2009

Hi all,

Talk about a reality check? I have never in my life realized how grateful I am for everything I am blessed with until Wednesday morning..(Day 1)

When I arrived at our family's property I was in awe at how things were in a true "third world country." The family had just about nothing...and when I say nothing, I mean nothing. Their house was made of corn stalks and other non sturdy material. The bed is smaller then a double bed, no pillows, and it is shared amongst the eight family members....just imagine...

As soon as they saw us walking towards them, they had the biggest smiles on their faces. That was when the excitement started. We began digging and the family was right there offering a hand whenever they could. Day 1 we dug the hole and laid the foundation layer of the brick. It was truly hard work but not once did I complain because I didn't feel any of the pain..the smiles and anticipation on the children's faces made me want to work even harder. When it came time to hand out candy that we brought, it was a mad scene. It's amazing how one piece of bubble gum can turn a kid's day completely around. Again, never again will I be able to take anything for granted. After the bubble gum i handed out Twizzlers to the little boy in our family (Luis Antonio). It broke my heart because he informed me he didn't know what to do with it. He was unsure if it was candy, or what. Imagine, 11 years old and not knowing what a Twizzler was? ...it really hit me then..of how fortunate we are to grow up the way we did and the way we still are.

When we left Day 1, they all gave us huge hugs and made sure all of us were hugged and thanked before we left. Day 2 was very similar, laying down and cementing block, and playing with the children. We had music blasting and we were dancing with the kids. It was soooo much fun. The ice cream truck (bike in this case) also came...nearly 300 kids later and only 32.00 American dollars. It was absolutely amazing and entertaining just seeing the kids run from every corner for ice cream, as if they have never been fortunate enough to have one scoop of ice cream in their life..and unfortunately this was true in some cases.

To give everyone a visual of what we see pulling up in the back of the pick ups every day to our work site/ family's home, since day 1 ..it reminded me of what you saw in Slum Dog Millionaire as the little boy was growing up in the town. It gave me goosebumps to even compare this area to where I live. My house, my neighborhood, my family..everything. My outlook is that it is amazing how, currently in 2009 ..the difference of the way we all live, compared to how they live. And the saddest part of it is that you never hear them complain, and they are so thankful for what they have that they don't even ask for anything else, where as back home, if one thing doesn't go our way it's a huge ordeal. I can honestly say these past 3 days have been the biggest wake up call in my life.

Day 3 we added 4 more layers of brick. When we arrived the family had all the bricks all ready for us, along with a tarp over an area so we can eat and rest in the shade. So appreciative of everything and anything. As we took pictures of the family and the kids, it was shocking to see the smiles and laughs that came when we showed them the picture. Then i realized, they have never seen themselves before. No mirrors, no pictures, nothing. All of the kids are so respectful, appreciative, and so polite.

This trip is so moving and draining..both emotionally and physically. I am so glad I got to have this experience at 16 because it is really life changing.

Carmellina Napolitano
Parsippany, New Jersey

August 28, 2009

What this trip meant to me was discovery. I discovered a new country, a new culture, a new language, and new friends. I’ve never experienced a culture in such a hands-on manner. We were completely immersed in a foreign land. We were fascinated and confused; I felt emotions I’ve never felt before. I even discovered many things about myself. I discovered that I had the ability to be generous beyond belief, I felt intense empathy, but at the same time a healthy respect for the residents of the buildings in Guatemala. I would recommend this trip for anyone. This trip did not only mean discovery for me, but also change. The trip to Guatemala changed my life. I learned valuable life lessons, and also the value of education. When we visited the schools there, I finally understood that education would be the key to advance these people’s lives. It also meant change for the citizens of Guatemala. Where once stood bamboo huts now stand concrete homes. The building of these homes represents a change sweeping across the nation of Guatemala, advancement into a higher standard of living. This trip also meant fun for every member of our group, from late night poker to soccer with the workers. There was even a point at which half of our group was on the ground laughing uncontrollably. We even climbed an active volcano. The natural beauty blew me completely away. I hope that everyone who accompanied me on this trip and everyone who goes on it in the future will learn as much and enjoy it as much as I did.

Wiley Falconer
Westminster Schools, Atlanta, GA

August 20, 2009

I wanted you to know that in all my years with schools, the trip to and the work with all of you was one of the best experiences of my life. To see what an impact it made with our students is worth a million words. An unusual bonding took place, and we will never be the same. Thank you for all you did for us.

Bill Clarkson
President, The Westminster Schools
Atlanta, GA

August 18, 2009

Not long ago, I went on this mission trip to Guatemala with some kids from my school and a couple of teachers, expecting that building, not one, but two houses for two different families would be a great experience in my life. This is a huge understatement. This trip has changed who I am in many ways, and the experience and feeling I got from helping these families was far greater than I could have ever imagined. It is too difficult to put my feelings during and after this trip into words, but telling the story might help. From the moment we rode into the town in which our building sites were located, I immediately experienced a culture shock. The people in the town lived in houses no bigger than a small bedroom made of dried corn stalks bound together with a tin roof on top. The doors did not lock, but even if they did, it would still be easy for someone to get in or out. We arrived at the worksite, and the families welcomed us with open arms, especially the father and his 8-year-old son from my group, who both helped by doing things from loading cinder blocks into the pick-up truck to shoveling and mixing dirt and cement. As the days went on and the building process progressed, we became inseparable with the young children. Even handing them just one small gift that had no value to us meant so much to each and every one of the kids. It was such a rewarding feeling to give these kids even something that small, but nothing could top the feeling of giving these families a home. The ceremony held on our final day in Guatemala was the most rewarding yet emotional experience of my life. As Oscar and Joe Collins talked about what we had just done, tears rolled down the faces of the families. Never in their lifetime had they been given an opportunity as great as the one we gave them. In many different ways, everyone was so grateful for the week we had with them, from building a house to making new friends. The most difficult thing we had to do was leave. Even though we were all sad, we had gained so much from the time we were there. We didn’t just give the families a house, but a home and a new chance. I think I can speak for everyone in our group when I say that this was one trip that we will never forget

Stephen Hatzikoutelis
stephenhatzikoutelis@westminster.net
The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, GA

August 5, 2009

Working with From Houses to Homes is by far the best summer experience I have ever had. Before going to Guatemala, our group was told just how much this small, cinderblock house would mean to a family. I thought I understood the needs of the people in Guatemala, but in reality, I had
absolutely no idea. I was beyond enthusiastic as we started to raise the funds for the building materials, but as the summer went on and all of
my babysitting money went towards purchasing materials to build a house for a family I had never even seen, I started to wonder if it was really
worth it. My question was answered the day we started working. After a ride from Antigua to Santa Maria de Jesús, we climbed out of the back of
our pick up trucks and headed to our building sites. My group walked into a small area where a family of six was standing by a tiny cornstalk
structure that served as their kitchen. The smiles were abundant as Oscar introduced us to the family. Sebastian, the father of the family,
shook our hands and offered his sincere thanks in Spanish, which Oscar translated for us. It was at this moment I realized that my money could
not have gone to a better cause. I couldn’t believe the joy that a group of students from Atlanta bringing to a family in Guatemala. We
were then introduced to Henio and Edgar, the guys who would be helping us and teaching us as we built the house. Without these two incredible
men, the house would have been a disaster. Not only were they experts, but they were so friendly and so gracious that our group had come to
help. We joked that if it wasn’t for us, Edgar and Henio probably could have built the house in half the time. Although this was true,
that isn’t what the From Houses to Homes organization is about. Anybody can raise money and send it off to help people they have never
met. It is a completely different experience to raise the money and directly use it to help others. Henio and Edgar were so patient with us
as we learned how to hammer out holes in the cinderblocks, mix cement, pour concrete, put mortar in between the blocks, and tried to
communicate with them in Spanish. It was absolutely incredible to me the way that they treated us like friends. Whether jokingly calling me
“Hannah Montana” or stealthily throwing cement at someone and denying what they had done. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, which
made for a great building environment. No matter how many times one of us accidently pushed a block out of alignment, they would smile, laugh
at us a little bit, and then put it back in place. They always provided encouragement and made sure we were having fun. Encouragement was never far. As family members wandered in and out of the lot to see the progress, they would smile at us and offer to help. Their neighbors
would occasionally stand outside the door and watch in awe at the building. Little children would stand at the door as well, and as soon
as we waved to them, they would giggle a run away. The comment was made that these children never cried. These children don’t cry because they are so thankful for the everyday gifts they receive and don’t expect to get anything special. Everyday felt like Christmas around the
worksite as we would hand a stuffed animal to a small child, or an t-shirt to a worker. I will never forget the look in Victor’s eyes as
I handed him a pair of shorts and he tried to give them back to me. In rough Spanish, I explained to him that they were for him. He grasped the
shorts in his clenched fists, and ran off to tell his family about what he had received. That night, while reflecting with a girl in our group, we
found it astounding that he found this gift so incredible because they were just a pair of Nike shorts, just like a pair both of us were
wearing. Victor, Sebastian’s son, was our helper the entire trip. He would carry the cinderblocks, bring water for the concrete, paint the
house, and on the last day, when we all brought bags of clothing to give away, he met us at the trucks and took one of our bags that was bigger
than he was and carried it for us. Even when we took breaks, he would sit with us. I remember one day, sitting with Victor and teaching him
how to play tic tac toe, and watching him teach his younger sister. These kids were incredible. If you gave one of them a bag of chips, they
immediately went to share it with their siblings. It was this type of behavior that I have rarely seen in hustle and bustle of Atlanta. Working in Guatemala was the opportunity of a lifetime and I will never forget all that I learned. I genuinely hope to return and work with the organization again in the very near future. Thanks for everything!

Hannah Woodward
hannahwoodward@Westminster.Net
The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, GA

August 2009
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.

St. John the Evangelist Church, 752 Big Oak Road, Morrisville, PA 19067
http://www.stjohnpa.org

Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Order of Malta, New Jersey Area
http://www.maltausa.org
See: Malta USA, News & Events, Association Newsletters, Hospitallers, Volume 6, Summer 2009

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 605, Gladstone, NJ 07934
http://stlukesgladstone.org/

Our Lady of the Lake, 32 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044

www.ollverona.org

Grace United Church, Cobden, Ontario, Canada
http://www.renfrewpresbytery.org/cobden-queens-line/2009-02-Church%20newsletter.pdf

St. Andrews Catholic Church, PO Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633
http://parishwebsite.tripod.com/st__andrew%27s.htm

Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Order of Malta, New Jersey Area
http://www.maltausa.org
See: Malta USA, News & Events, Association Newsletters, Hospitallers, See Archives: Volume 5, Summer 2008

United Methodist of Atlantic Highlands, 96 3rd Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

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, 103 Center Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
http://www.stagnesnj.com/

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
http://parishesonline.com/scripts/HostedSites/Org.asp?ID=3721

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 was selected as the International recipient of mission funds for 2007 and for 2009)
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 -
http://www.randolphrotary.com/

June 28, 2009

MISSION TO GUATEMALA

In the name of Tony Malanga, his two sons, Matthew and Patrick, his brother, Dr. Gerry Malanga, Bob Kaslander, his son, Bob, Doug Huber, Mike Archer from California, (married to Diane Harkins, a Verona woman) and me, I’d like to let you know about our wonderful and challenging

“mission” to Antigua, Guatemala.
We were part of an organization called “From Houses to Homes”. We cleared and leveled land along the side of a mountain and laid the foundation for the construction of two houses. This week others will complete the walls and roof for the one (1) room dwelling. The one room dwelling will be a very critical improvement to what is presently a “house” for these families: their floor is dirt, the walls bamboo and the roof corrugated steel or plastic and it leaks. Conditions for living are absolutely deplorable, nothing upon which to cook, no private sleeping quarters for a family of 6; no running or purified water, no electricity. I’m not sure what bathing facilities are available for their use. There is a “community” station where the women and children do laundry by hand. It leaves a lot to be desired.
We visited a school. The teachers are amazing, dedicated and self-less in their commitment to education and the formation of these little people who are absolutely charming and lovable. A needed new and larger school is being constructed, “manually”. There is no equipment. It was an

incredible sight to see. I suppose that’s how the great Cathedrals of Europe were built over 1,000 years ago!
The mothers cook and clean in the school and the parents take an active role in the physical maintenance of the building. It’s good ownership. It seemed to us that education/formation, parental involvement and ownership, along with improved living conditions will eventually make life more bearable and in fact be the impetus for the children to create a better society for everyone, on all levels. The people are just wonderful. The children are so beautiful, so vulnerable, so happy and grateful for any help. They are engaging and trust me; they did more for us than any of us could have ever dreamed of doing for them. There is so much more I could share but there is no time or space at present. Hopefully, you’ll speak with the men and young people mentioned above, who can and will share the wonderful “experience” we shared.
As we walked the streets of Antigua, Guatemala, and the mountain village of St. Maria de Jesus, the open market (Mercado) on Thursday, it occurred to me that all those impoverished men, women and children belong to no one, they are Jesus’ pride and joy, His Kingdom is theirs!

Love and Peace,
Fr. Mike Hanly

www.ollverona.org

February 19, 2009

My family and I spent an incredible week building a home for the Acalon Chavez family. It was one of the best experiences of my life -- hard to explain. We made such a difference in their lives, changing them forever. While donating money to an organization feels good, directly helping someone and seeing the joy on the receiving end is priceless.
On the final day, at the emotional ceremony where we hand over the keys to the family to their beautiful new home, this is what I said, and I meant every word, "I have built over 5,000 homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and of all the houses I have ever built, this one is my favorite". That really sums it up. We will never forget our family in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala.

David Gardner
Builder / Developer
Short HIlls, NJ
jkozgardner@mac.com

February 6, 2009

We’re back from Guatemala and one poorest of the poor families is truly blessed with their new home.  With the help of Joe Collins, founder of ‘From Houses to Homes’ our team lifted the hearts and dreams of Rancho Jimenex and his family, Marie (wife), Katherine (6 yrs old), Angel (3 yrs old) and Lesli (1 yr old).

Their new house is situated just outside the town of Pastores which is about 20 minutes from Antigua.  The home is built on the side on a fairly steep hill.  The family excavated a landing beside their first home, where their new home now stands.  They reinforced the back wall with sand bags.  This work had been completed manually, by the family, before we arrived.  In order to qualify for a new home, families must own the land their home is built on.  Three other siblings lived on the same slope and they all had either a corn stalk shack or patched corrugated metal shack to live in.

The pickup trucks that delivered us to the site each morning, dropped us off at the end of the road.  The rest of the climb each morning woke us up and got our blood flowing (phew).  We were gently reminded that if we considered complaining about the hike up the hill, Joe said “just remember the family carried up 700 cement blocks, all the cement bags, the metal roofing and all the water you need each day, so you can build them a house”. We never complained!

From Houses to Homes provided two excellent trained Guatemala builders to our team, Henio and Edgar.  They led us each day from digging the foundation, pouring cement using the bucket brigade, applying mortar to the bricks, through giving the home a fresh coat of paint.  The bright blue and yellow colours were chosen by the family.  Their house is one room that has one lockable door and one window.  We donned the window with curtains decorated with maple leafs and word “Canada”.

The final house build day, January 21, 2009 was filled with emotional joy as the house keys were handed to Rancho. The father took the afternoon off work which is a huge financial sacrifice for him.  The Guatemalans are very hard workers yet only earn approximately 6-10 quetzales a day.  This is approximately $1 Canadian dollar/day.  They bought a large bottle of cola to celebrate which likely cost them dearly.

With many thanks to all of you, we had enough money to buy the family a primitive cooking (wood) stove with a chimney, which interestingly enough is made and organized by the Guatemalan Stove Project Initiative from Perth, Ontario.  The family will also receive bunk beds to replace their former bed on the ground. With yet a little more cash, we left the family with basic food staples such as black beans, rice, flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt etc.  As they only had one bowl and one stool to sit on, we left them with each their own plastic stool, bowl, cup and a new broom to sweep their new house.

Our team from Ottawa was made up of Trevor and myself and two friends, Colleen Cotter and Susan Douglas as well as Renate Doran who joined us from Sault Ste. Marie.

This was a life enriching experience that will stay with us forever.  It is businesses & friends like you who make the world a better place; - thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and support.
Sue-ann & Trevor Blakely
trevorblakely@295.ca

August 25, 2008

Thanks again for an absolutely wonderful experience in Guatemala.  Please tell everyone hello, especially Isaias and Fernando, and Arlene if she's still there.  I made a slideshow of my experience to thank those who contributed to my $500 donation.  It's available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSBao7vpdMs if you want to check it out. Thanks again!
Brett Fairbourn
cupman31@yahoo.com

August 12, 2008
I think that one of the greatest rewards of this trip is the feelings you get.  It is the feeling of being wanted, truly wanted.  I didn’t get the idea that these people always have some one to count on, especially from the outside world of their community, that they don’t always have some one stand next to them at every turn.  When you walk onto that site every morning there are people standing there, like they are almost waiting to see if you have given up or if you have returned for them, and when they see you walk in, the smiles on their faces are priceless.  The feeling you get of being a hero is a once in a lifetime chance, that will always be in your heart.  Thank you From Houses to Homes for giving me this opportunity to give back what I take for granted.   

Hannah Rice, NC
Age 13

August 7, 2008
You can't really research exactly how your experience will be building a home for another family.  I know I kind of walked into it just knowing the basics like how we would spend about seven days volunteering to build a cinder block house for a family in need.  You have no idea that you will have the life-changing experience that starts the first minute of Day 1.  Seeing the poverty is eye opening and knowing you built something so vital like a structured home is overwhelmingly rewarding.  Visiting a country and touring around is a wonderful vacation, but this is the first vacation I feel I really immersed myself into a place rather than just seeing the surface at a hotel or tourist center.  Plus you get to see the transformation of the family in a few short days from living in their current home with a patch of land for their new home to the final day where they start to move items into the home you have built for them.

Joe, Oscar, and their entire crew are outstanding.  Each morning, they meet you with a smile, handshake, and know your name.  Henio and Edgar were the two skilled workers on our site who were educational, patient, funny, and beyond hardworking.  You start to think "how did so many wonderful people all get together for this one organization" because everyone really is so great.

Thank you to everyone who works so hard with From Houses to Homes and giving me and my family the opportunity for this experience we will never forget.
Leana Faridani
leanaf@gmail.com

July 21, 2008
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 13, 2008
Our incredible experience building a home for a beautiful family in Guatemala. Make a difference by helping others who desperately need basic housing. Bring your generous spirit and your friends and family and join the dedicated crew of From Houses to Homes for a life changing experience. Video from Vic Cocowitch on YouTube on the construction of our 100th home.
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LPaiF6iLHk&feature=related,
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpP6QchUziU&feature=related
Vic Cocowitch
Chapel Hill, NC
viccoco@mindspring.com

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!!
Kevin Player
playerkevin@hotmail.com

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.
Andy Bond
fafa14@gmail.com

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@verizon.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
barbkellypt@comcast.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
or see it on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOIA1KVcteU

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@gmail.com

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
September 25, 2007
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.

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

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
This summer I had the opportunity to go to Guatemala. I feel so blessed and thankful that I had this chance. It showed me that you don’t need to be an adult to make a difference in someone’s life. I knew I had done the right thing when I looked into the kid’s eyes, past the dirt on their faces to gratitude in their hearts. One of the things I will never forget is when we bought ice cream for the children. I shouldn’t just say children; we bought ice cream for moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas; everyone who came past the “ice cream truck”. This was one of my favorite times because something as simple as ice cream cone, which I had come to take for granted, brought them such joy. What surprised me more than anything was that even though the Guatemalan people live in such poverty they are amazingly happy. I learned many lessons from them about happiness and I hope to go back next year.

Nicole Viola
Age 11
Collegeville, PA

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