By Michael Willard | Austin Habitat Executive Director
Yesterday I attended my daughter’s Christmas program at her preschool. Now for a guy who has a kid in college, high school and middle school, you might think I have done my share of preschool Christmas programs. Well, I have. However, these programs never grow old for me. Just seeing the kids, dressed in seasonal clothes with festive headbands of holly, presents, and antlers, you are captivated by their energy, excitement and wonder of the season. Singing songs of Santa, reindeer and Silent Night, always reminds me of the joy of the season. This is not the commercial joy found in malls, on piped-in music and in advertisements, which sell the “meaning” of Christmas. What I experience watching and listening to these children is the pure joy of innocence. The joy that comes from hearing excited voices, laughing and singing at the top of their lungs. The joy that you can see in the eyes of children.
This is the same joy I see in the eyes of the Habitat homeowner families when we dedicate their homes. The eyes of these mothers and fathers, who have worked for months, and sometimes years, finally seeing the fulfillment of their dreams, are full of joy. These families have come to the end of a long journey, which has included completing 400 hours of sweat equity and attending 24 classes on budgeting skills, home maintenance and homeowners insurance, just to name a few.
2008 Home for the Holidays will be dedicated on Sat., Dec. 20
I am very happy to tell you that this year Austin Habitat dedicated 20 homes, so there are 20 new homeowner families in Austin that have experienced the pure joy of the season. Our newest home will be dedicated this weekend. It is heartwarming to know these house dedications happen through out the year, so you don’t have to wait until Christmas time to “celebrate the season.”
Building this many homes requires a tremendous amount of work from volunteers and donors from across our community. Were it not for the efforts of these individuals, corporations and religious organizations, Austin Habitat would not be able to complete any homes or repair projects. There would be no joy and no celebrating.
So at this time of year, I wish to thank our donors, volunteers, staff and board members. Thank you for helping to spread the joy of the Christmas season across the year and assist our homeowner partners in attaining their precious dreams.
’tis the season to Change Lives!
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