25 days, 25 stories: HO HO HO–A Reality Check

Each day from October 5 to October 29, 2009 we will be posting a new story in celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s 25th anniversary. These stories have come to us from people who have been involved with Habitat Omaha in a variety of ways at some point in the past 25 years. We hope that you enjoy these reflections, some old and some new, about Habitat Omaha and that they inspire or renew the spirit of service in you. If you have a story of your own that you would like to share please send it to us at buildinghope.omaha@gmail.com.

HO HO HO — A Reality Check

(Dec. 1992 Omaha Habitat for Humanity News-Newsletter)

“Tears. Tears. Tears. In Habitat we see a lot of tears. When we interview applicant families, we often experience tears of frustration. One young mother’s tearful lament expressed her tortured spirit as she wept for her family of five packed into a one bedroom apartment with ‘not even space to pray alone.’ These are tears of despair.

Tears are often seen in the eyes of volunteers who work side by side with Habitat partner families. They have become awakened to the reality of a life made harsh by poverty and economic oppression. They have also connected with a warm human being who has hopes and fears, faith and doubts, dreams and disappointments much the same as their own. These are tears of awareness.

Occasionally we see tears of rage. Rage over broken promises. Promises made by family members who have left empty hearts and empty purses. Promises made by society that holds up a hollow image of ‘The American Dream.’ Empty promises of hard work rewarded with a cozy bungalow and white picket fence. These are tears of isolation.

And then we attend a Habitat house dedication. A family who has been ‘in process’ for a year or so – filling out application forms, attending workshops, working out 350 hours of sweat equity, building the partnership – is presented a Bible and the key to the front door of their home. A gushing of tears follows. Always. Tears of joy, of gratitude, of dreams coming true. Tears of faithful promises kept. Tears expressing the ‘Fullness of Joy.’ These are our favorite tears. These are tears of healing and tears of community.

If you have witnessed any of these tears firsthand, or shed some of your own, I know you have been blessed. I invite all of you to join us in God’s work building decent affordable housing with God’s people in need through Omaha Habitat for Humanity in 1993…

May God bless you with the baptism of tears in community with your sisters and brothers of faith.”

Steve Eldred

 

 

Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.