A special experience

Today was the final day of the Home Builders Blitz 2006! It’s just incredible to see what has been accomplished this week in Houston, Texas. When the week first started, there was nothing on our street...five days later, there are beautiful homes ready to have their families move-in!

Many of the families were present today to attend the closing ceremony. It was so heart-warming to see the pride and joy of these new homeowners. One new homeowner stood in front of her new house, staring at it in disbelief. We went over to her, and she immediately took us on a tour. She became emotional when we thanked her for showing us “her” home. She started to cry, and said “my home,” like she still couldn’t believe it was real, that she is actually a homeowner.

It’s that kind of genuine happiness that makes the Habitat experience so special. A lot of hard work and determination, as well as headaches (and back aches) go into getting a home built in five days. (The team leaders always take the biggest hit on this — thanks again, Larry.) But in the end, it always seems that we take back much more than we actually give. It’s very moving to witness people realizing their dreams, and to know that you had a part in making that dream a reality.

I am very proud that my company, McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. (MHI), has been a long supporter of Habitat for Humanity, which has allowed me to have these experiences. I also want to thank Dave Daniels at Habitat for always thinking of MHI when it comes time to participate in Habitat projects. This is the second Habitat project this year that MHI has worked on, and we look forward to many more in the future.