As many of you know, this year I traveled with 42(!) students to Birmingham, AL to build houses with Habitat for Humanity (H4H) for Spring Break. This was my third H4H spring break trip, and was something I was really looking forward too. Spring Break is always a welcome time of rest, often breaking up the monotony of current work and focusing on a task that is completely different.
The Birmingham chapter of H4H is a well-oiled machine! Birmingham is one of the top ten H4H sects in the world, building approximately 50 houses from the foundation up and another 100 rehab projects. Unlike other years there was always something to do from the time we arrived to the time we left. It was tiring, exhausting, and (at times) grueling work, but it was also amazing! With the help of students, I installed porch ceilings, built furniture without instructions, and installed trusses. Other students had the chance to roof, paint, install walls, and much more….and they were awesome at it!
The highlight of the trip, as always, was getting to meet or know students. The group dynamic was outstanding, and I felt very loved and welcomed. Another group highlight is when a group of us went to look at the 16th St. Church in downtown Birmingham, known for being bombed in the Civil Rights movement. After looking at the church, we decided to cross the street and tour the Civil Rights park that was there. While at the Park, a man approached us after recognizing that we were people volunteering with Habitat. He then asked if we wanted a tour of the park, to which we eagerly said, “yes.” After a few minutes into the tour, this man introduced himself as the grandson of John Thomas Porter, a pastor and key leader in the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham! We were blessed to have such a tour!
This was the best Habitat trip I have been on. I met so many charming and unique students, and built strong relationships with them. It was a great reminder of why I do what I do.
Spring Break Student Testimony
This spring break trip was my fourth spring break trip with Habitat for Humanity. It’s always hard to compare the trips. There is a lot of variation with different groups, different construction work, different meal & living conditions, and different families that we are building for; however, there are several key characteristics that I have found on this trip that have kept me coming back.
When I first came on my first habitat trip, I didn’t have that many friends. I was a freshman in college and was completely out of my element. Habitat gave me the opportunity to meet genuine people who have become some of my greatest friends. There’s a quote that you don’t know someone until you volunteer with them, and I have found that to be true. The relationships that are formed on this trip are unique and genuine.
Throughout the years, there has been a wide variety of the construction work we do, and the families that we are building for. We have worked to make homes handicap accessible for individuals who have never moved out of their parents’ house until now, and we have built homes for single mothers struggling to give their children a bed to sleep in. Last year as I was sitting in the rafters on the last day, the home owner was being given a tour through the new property. With tears in her eyes, she walked from room to room describing which of her children would live there and the plans that they had to make each room their own. This woman was living in a trailer home with her mother and children, all of whom had never had their own bed before, and this interaction has forever changed my outlook on life.
Habitat has shown me that when a group of individuals are willing to put in some hard work, entire lives can be changed. Habitat does not build houses, but they create homes and every volunteer is a part of that family. Through construction or fundraising, every individual who helps build this home, is helping to build a future for these men, women, and children, and that’s why I have kept coming back.
Financial Goal
God has blessed us recently in the past few months by helping us reach our monthly goal. Now, we are asking for help on a unique way of giving. If you are interested in learning more, please Click on the below picture.
Moore News
As you may know, Joshua has had the privilege of being nominated by his teachers to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM, which is to be held in Trenton, NJ on June 26 through June 30.
We whole-heartedly support Josh in this fantastic achievement! This opportunity, however, is a costly venture. Joshua is fundraising $2,500 to be able to attend. This price includes the program as well as traveling, food, and hotel costs.
We know that we cannot afford to send Joshua entirely by ourselves, so we are asking that you consider donating by May 31st, so that he may be able to attend the NYLF program. If interested in donating, please go the following website: goo.gl/eS08Rz.
Everyone else in the family is doing well. Asher was admitted to the gifted program! He now gets to join his brothers at the gifted center on Wednesdays, and is very excited. Benjamin has really gotten into basketball, especially March Madness. He created his own bracket for the first time this year. Unfortunately, he had Villanova winning. Emily continues to stay busy working, and being a full-time mom. She continues to excel in all that she does.
I pray that this letter find you well, and that God continues to work through you.
In Christ,
Andy Moore
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