Homes of Hope: Mexico Team 2014
Building Hope in the Lives of Others:
In September 2014 I was invited to join a special team to travel to the border of Mexico... and help build a new home for a family in need.
A good friend, and local General Contractor sponsored the build- and this is the team he assembled.
Many of us reunited for another project in June 2015, so please check out the project highlights of that trip, as well.
Celebrating a 25 year Anniversary - Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Homes of Hope program is organized to help less fortunate folks improve their lives- by providing them with a new home.
Typically, a brand new home is constructed with a family, during a long weekend of teamwork.
For our 2014 Project in Mexico:
LEFT: the "Before" project site- with the existing home in the foreground.
Money is raised for the complete construction of the new home- so there is no cost to the needy family.
In our case, the General Contractor organized and raised the funds for purchasing the building materials...
and a Top Producer Santa Barbara Realtor contributed funds for the kitchen and furniture upgrade package.
Upper RIGHT: The modest new home our team was able to build this young new family.
God Works in Mysterious Ways:
For several years I have been praying for clients, projects, and those I am to work with.
At mid-life, I have been pondering how I want to spend my time in the upcoming chapters of it.
Working with men of integrity, and seeking hearts and open minds to how God can work in our lives is now a priority, and has proven to be very rewarding...individually, and as a team.
Brothers of another Mother... and the same Heavenly Father-
We know our faults and areas that need work... but friends you can trust is important.
It's not about being perfect- but rather being available to encourage and grow together as contributing members of society.
In town... we have been working on several local, Montecito "Flips"- Our small group of General Contractors, Investor and Designer was first encouraged to participate in the Homes of Hope 2014 Mission Trip, on this job.
It turned out to be an incredible, life-changing trip for all who participated-
And upon our return, I was asked to write a brief testimony of how it impacted my life... sharing some thoughts with the many generous people that supported the project.
Below is that note penned on 10/18/14...
and 8 months later, I created this page to help illustrate it- with project photos.
"Un-Forfeited Blessings"
Bigs asked me to write a small testimony about what I got out of the Mexico trip last month.
He caught me at a bad time…
I had some tight deadlines with clients.
At first I wanted to pluck quick thoughts…
Something simple and from my heart, and I could then check that request box, as "done".
Maybe I would have written about that first 30 seconds as our team rounded the corner of the bumpy dirt road,
seeing the entire family standing out front, waiting for us....
Beaming smiles, and with a look of gratitude that this day was not just a dream-
they were really going to be blessed with a new home.
Within minutes, I knew that giving a little bit of my free time to help a needy family would change my heart for a lifetime.
Experiencing the family working side-by-side with us was great.
Little joys throughout the weekend…
Seeing Wendy, the little girl laugh, run and invite her friends to help her paint.
The mom and sister tag-teaming it, as they rolled paint on those fresh sheets of drywall-
The dad who couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he feverishly worked throughout the weekend.
They each were building their new house alongside us.
But the biggest thing I am grateful for are the blessings I did not forfeit that weekend.
I believe in "God Nudges"…
Sometimes they are blunt, and are heavy in the gut.
But most of the time they are soft whispers we push aside.
This trip renewed the sense of joy I have in pursuing my God Nudges.
They require slowdown.
I am learning that God does not flood us with blessings if we are not even interested in what He is trying to say, do or accomplish in our life.
I believe that God has a beautiful life for each of us.
We are each unique and special, and He has wonderful plans-
but we must first humbly desire, and then ask Him to help us see what He sees.
The gifts He has individually given us are ultimately for His own good pleasure and Glory.
He wants to see each of his children experience joy, peace and contentment.
I often forfeit those blessings by pursuing my own agendas.
I get sidetracked by the busyness of my life.
I don't take time to settle down and ask God what He is trying to say in any given stress, frustration or difficulty.
Originally I did not want to go on this trip.
I had lots of excuses for why not to do it.
But that small quiet voice nudged me to step out of my comfort zone.
In retrospect, I wonder who has been praying for me.
We pray for those we love, and we ask God to help our brothers and sisters.
God places those breadcrumb Nudges into our hearts in order to try to encourage us to listen and trust Him…
it is where true peace, joy and contentment flows.
Jeff Doubet 10/18/14
Please scroll down to see some of our Project Photo highlights:
Painting Crews getting started...
Much of the house components are painted BEFORE the construction begins.
It is how so many team members can contribute in a big way, and in a short amount of time.
While painting crews are busy...
A framing crew begins building the first wall.
There are several smaller teams within the Team.
Here, walls continue to be framed and made sure to be level...
One of our strongest teams...
building the gable ends and the many roof trusses that they hand-made on the premises.
The kids, mom, sister and our team pre-painted the drywall sheets that are now being brought in.
A brand new gas range was a generous donation by one of the many supporters of this project.
New bunk beds for the kids were also purchased for the family.
Here, team members are outfitting them with new bedding, donated by generous supporters.
A new dining table with chairs, and dinnerware... also part of the "Furniture Package".
When enough financial support can be raised, the family is blessed with these "Extras".
It is heart-warming to know that we can provide a family in need with these basics- and yet they view them as an overwhelming, extravagant blessing.
Bringing in food supplies...
Money is raised so that we can provide the family with several months of food- to give them a helping hand.
It is a unique program, in that the Homes of Hope organization compassionately allows the family to shop for what they would like- and choose things that are their greatest need.
This shot is extra special to me.
Answering the door for the first time!
It is a ceremonial, first visitor door knock...
with the proud dad, receiving his keys as a new home owner.
It felt good to see a simple new door with lock, be such a blessing to this family.
They had previously had an old sheet nailed to the opening of their wood pallet makeshift shelter.
Although the sheet provided privacy, it did not keep them safe at night.
Wendy, the little girl... with a wide range of emotions this special day.
The team and our supporters helped provide this family with a clean new and weatherproof home that they can now feel safe and secure.
A grateful family... and a very meaningful day for all of us.
A snapshot of the Shopping Spree provided by the many generous contributors to this project.
Thank You for your support!
Together, we are tag teaming our gifts and talents...
changing lives and making an impact,
one family at a time.
AFTER THIS PROJECT... MANY ON OUR TEAM WENT ON TO BUILD ANOTHER PROJECT: The JUNE 2015 BUILD
Homes of Hope: Mexico Team 2015
If you have time, I encourage you to click the link above to see that project, now.
If you have enjoyed this page, and some of the uplifting ideas that have been included within it...
Click Encouraging Words - a highest rated page for this website, with regard to "longest studied".
In our fast paced world, we each seek authentic ideas that will resonate truth within our hearts, minds and souls.
Life is too short to miss out on real joy, happiness and contentment...
I hope you have the time to check it out!
A Quick Flip SITE MAP for SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com
Click to navigate the most popular pages on the Santa Barbara Home Design site.
Informative pages with quality photos and designs for high quality Spanish style homes and landscapes!
Also be sure to check out my new
SPANISH HOME DESIGN PHOTO BLOG with dozens of new projects and hundreds of photos not on this website.
And the STORE + MORE page.