A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
-- Author Unknown
Habitat for Humanity has built more than 300,000 houses and on Saturday, Feb. 28, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth dedicated several more. The Parrott family is one example of how Millard Fuller's legacy continues to touch hearts and make dreams come true. Millard, the co-founder of Habitat for Humanity with his wife Linda, died Feb. 3.
It was my first Habitat for Humanity house dedication. As a board member, I have heard that the ceremony is special and worth witnessing.
And indeed it was an emotional celebration for many of the people -- Habitat board members, staff, family, friends, church members and volunteers -- who attended the service on a cold, wet afternoon. I was witnessing the vision and mission of Habitat come alive.
According to Executive Director Sylvia Oberle, each dedication is unique and all are meaningful.
This ceremony would not be an exception, as people gathered together to dedicate the new home of Charles and Michelle Parrott and their two children. A labor of love had now materialized into a home and all involved were proud of the accomplishment.
I have sat around a table discussing plans, needs and the vision of the organization. But standing on the front porch of the Parrott house, the vision statement took on new meaning. It reads, "Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County manifests God's love in action through a life-changing home-building ministry that uplifts everyone it touches." It is more than just words; it's real.
You could feel the emotion. Board member Aaron Singleton of Winston- Salem State University captured it in a thank-you note to supporters. "I just want to send a note of thanks to all of you for your hard work, support and assistance in making the Habitat for Humanity dedication of the Parrott home such a special occasion on Saturday," he wrote. "The rain couldn't touch the positive spirit and blessings that existed in that house. One could see in the eyes of the Parrott family just how meaningful the dedication was for them."
That note also reflects the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. It is "rooted in Christian principles, brings together community partners and volunteers from all faiths to help qualified Partner Families construct and purchase well-built, affordable homes and become successful homeowners."
I saw that in action on a hot Saturday morning last August in a warehouse where volunteers prepared for the Labor of Love Build Blitz. Charles and Michelle drove the first nail to start building the walls for their house. Now, almost seven months later, the house was being dedicated. During the months in between, the vision and mission of Habitat came to life through volunteers and community partners working together to make a dream come true. All you had to do was look and listen to Charles Parrott, and see the tears of joy in his wife's eyes, as he thanked everyone.
That is evidence that Millard Fuller's legacy lives on. Comments posted to his guest book on legacy.com illustrate the significance of what he founded -- a life-changing home-building ministry that uplifts everyone it touches.
One entry in the guest book was a surprise. Oberle mentioned it as she choked up a bit during the ceremony. It said: "What a great man! In May 2008, my husband and I went through H for H to get our first house. Our home was finished in December 2008. We are pleased with the staff of H for H. Mr. Fuller and Linda, I am grateful to you for what you have done. You have given us a piece of the American Dream by giving us a decent place to live. Because of you we have accomplished something Wonderful. Thank you."
Michelle Parrott, who posted the comment and shared her heart for all to see, is now a homeowner.
Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker who lives in Winston-Salem. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
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