After our time in Puerto Viejo we returned to the YWAM base in San Jose and transitioned into four days of working with Homes of Hope. Homes of Hope is a YWAM ministry that began in 1990 when staff members from YWAM Los Angeles spearheaded the effort to build the first house in Tijuana [ywamhomesofhope.org/who-we-are]. HOH now operates in 9 countries and has built thousands of houses. The heart of HOH is to build quality houses for poor families in Latin America and work alongside the families in the building process. Our mission was to build 4 houses in 2 days, as a large group of volunteer builders from the States came in to work with YWAM San Jose staff and the families. It seemed a tall order...
(Panarica team members hangin` with YWAM San Jose staff and a neighborhood boy)
It was amazing to see the life, energy and love that was injected into this poor community as we all came together with the common purpose of service and blessing others. A common theme that came up during the lecture phase of our DTS - from teacher to teacher - was that we are blessed to be a blessing. The love and graciousness of God poured out onto our lives compels us to love and serve one another. It felt amazing to be a part of the beautiful, collective effort to bless these families.
(American volunteers + YWAM San Jose staff - walls come up)
Our team had the distinct privilege of heading up the Hospitality Team, which covered everything from setting up the day before construction began, to serving the meals, and keeping all the builders fed and hydrated throughout the day. Though we didn't work on the house constyruction itself, I never once felt like what we were doing was insignificant. It felt like an honor just to be a part of the entire process and to be able to serve the families and the builders. And yes, we did it. 4 houses. 2 days.
At the end of the second day the workers from each build site held a presentation ceremony. They gathered in a circle with the family, and as they passed the keys to the house from worker to worker, they shared their hearts. I was so blessed to see the encouragement, life and love they spoke over them. This was truly the Gospel in action. They could have easily just written out a check to any number of worthy charities, but they had spent their money, left their homes, and dedicated their time and labor all to bless complete strangers. Finally, they presented the family with their keys, and they walked in to see their completed, brand new house for the first time...
(Builders and family standing in front of their newly constructed home)
The houses were furnished, stocked with groceries, and some toys for the kids. After they invited us in, they began to express their thanks. The father was near speechless. The mother began to cry. All I could do was crack a wild smile. This was how life should be. This is what love looks like. This is what outreach is all about. The days flew by, but we will cherish this experience long after...
Viva Casas de Esperanza!
(Testimonies about Homes of Hope and other parts of our journey in San Jose)
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