"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands -- one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn
On Sunday officials with Aiken County Habitat for Humanity, Lowe's, community leaders and the Aiken Junior Women's Club ceremoniously broke ground on Lancaster Street for the third Women's Build house. The homeowners -- Jennifer, Elijah and Elijah Jr. -- were there.
By the way, thanks Junior Women's Club, for taking on the sponsorship duties for this house.
As I stood among the crowd, listening to what inspirational things the aforementioned people were saying, I tried to picture in my mind's eye what a house would look like on what is now just a lot of sand. I could clearly see the framing walls up and maybe some drywall, but my imagination stopped there. I couldn't see the finished project in my mind.
I guess it hasn't struck me yet ... that I am going to help build a HOUSE for a family. I will build a house. A house. No, it still isn't sinking in.
To three people, this house will be the answer to their prayers. They will sleep, eat and laugh there. They won't have to worry about the ceiling or walls caving in or their floor giving out. All of these things I take for granted. I don't understand what it's like to fret over the safety of any place I've lived, the health risks that it might pose. I'm thankful I haven't, but others are not so lucky.
I'm glad to be doing this even if the long-lasting gratification of what I will be doing hasn't been fully realized.
Jennifer, Elijah and Elijah Jr., I can't wait to get started. I look forward to working with you and I appreciate the opportunity I've been given to help make your lives a little brighter.
