changing the world...

Those who know me well know that for several years i was actively involved with World Changers - an organization sponsored by the North American Mission Board that provides youth with an opportunity to change the world one house at a time. Basically, youth groups go to World Changers as a construction oriented mission trip for one week of their summer. The kids do all the labor and the city supplies all the materials through the low-income housing budget. I participated in World Changers 3 summers in high school and then joined staff when I was in college. I have traveled throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada organizing builds and providing individuals and families with restored hope. There is something really invigorating about taking a broken down house and in one week seeing it transformed into a home with a fresh coat of paint, a new roof, new siding, new windows and doors, a wheel-chair ramp if needed or maybe even a room addition. It is an incredibly rewarding experience and one that will forever mark my journey in life.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to make an impact yet again; only this time, I was donating my services to my brother and sister-in-law. Kevin and Jamie just bought their first house and it is definitely a "fixer-upper." Due to my SKILLS with painting, I was enlisted as the first shift of help! On Saturday I spent numerous hours priming their walls and painting their ceilings. By the end of the day, I was absolutely covered in paint splatters and probably smelled terribly - but my heart was SO HAPPY. It has been a really long time since I've labored in love - and it was such a refreshing feeling. Kevin and Jamie still have lots left to do at their house and my friend Jenny just bought a home of her own - so it looks like i'll have LOTS MORE opportunities to exercise my construction skills in the near future... sounds great to me... i'm changing the world one house at a time!!!