|
 Habitat homes are not given away. They are sold to recipients who
have qualified by being in a position to pay for a home over time,
have put in “sweat equity” in the building of their home as well as
contributed to other efforts made by Habitat. Recipients work with
their mentors to understand the obligation and responsibility of
home ownership. On Sunday, all the hard work paid off as Logan
County Habitat Chairman Cince Bowns handed over the keys to the
three bedroom home to Danielle and her daughters.
The House Blessing Service went much as it traditionally does with
the opening comments from the Habitat Chair, the presentation of the
Habitat Book and a Family Bible, reading of litanies, and song led
by John Sutton on his guitar. All of these things are done in front
of a gathering of family and friends who have come to celebrate with
the new homeowners.
It is the family and friends that make the day the most special, and
for the Davis’ the family component was there in multitudes. Five
generations of women gathered for a photo that included Danielle’s
Great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and daughters. In addition,
it was her grandfather, the Rev. Glenn Shelton, who led the group in
prayer as the ceremony neared its conclusion. He also explained he
had come out to the house earlier in the day and anointed each door,
window, the porch, and the sidewalk to the house with oil, asking
God to bless the house and bless the family. He closed by bringing
his grand-daughter and great granddaughters together and praying
that God would bless them as they enter this new stage in their
lives.
The day began with opening remarks from Bowns, who reminded those
gathered that a house is made of brick and mortar; while a home is
built of brick, mortar, love, sweat, and tears. She commented, “This
home is not a handout, it is a hand up.” Before closing, Bowns
remembered Habitat Board member Wally Reifsteck, who passed away on
September 9th and asked for a moment of silence. Reifsteck would
later be remembered by Rev. Shelton as he urged everyone to hold up
Wally’s wife and family in prayer.
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The ceremony also included the presentation of a family Bible by Leonard
Krusemark. He commented about starting fresh in a new home and urged the Davis’
to connect as a family. He recounted a time in his life when he was not in touch
with his family, and how that changed when they began sharing a daily meal
together. He noted that it was good for the family to set aside one portion of
each day to be together and support one another. He said the time at the table
should be one that is happy and positive.
After the closing prayer and song, those gathered were invited inside the new
home for refreshments and to take a tour. The home is a three bedroom with
Alexis and Jasmine each having their own rooms. The girls were excited to show
off the touches that make the rooms uniquely theirs. Alexis’ room is a lovely
light teal blue and on one wall, her name is painted along with an Eifel tower
in black. Another wall is painted in the teal with white stripes. She said she
really loved her room and got to choose the colors she wanted.
Jasmine’s room is lavender, her favorite color. On one wall, a framed black
board and cut-out hearts painted with blackboard paint will offer Jasmine a free
space to be creative.
The house also includes a large bath, and laundry-mud room with access to the
back yard, a large room for Danielle, an open floor plan kitchen and living
area, and a front porch.
[Nila Smith] |
