Guest Post by partner homeowner Eric Draughan
Eric Draughan recently received the keys to his home, which was rehabilitated during 2011 Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith. Here are his reflections on that day:
On April 30, 2011, Habitat forHumanity of Greater Los Angeles threw my family a beautiful Home Dedication. This gathering of friends, family, staff and volunteers was a blessing. Our excitement about becoming homeowners was starting to be replaced by anxiousness, but the home dedication remedied all of that. We had been working on our home from day 1 and saw the majority of the transformation, but on that Saturday, just about everything was installed, finished and detailed. It was as if our dream of owning our own home had instantly turned into reality.
Jordan, Shemika and I proudly welcomed everyone to share in that special moment. Plus we took pride in showcasing our home for the first time to many of our family and friends. We received many compliments and congratulations as we gave little mini tours through the home.
One of the coolest parts was when Ken, the site leader of our home, got up and spoke about the process and gave a few details about the home. He seemed at ease and in his element speaking with the group and sharing his passion about the transformation standing behind him. My pastor, Charles Latchison of Light & Life ChristianFellowship WEST, was also invited to the podium to share in the celebration. Pastor Latchison had Shemika and I stand with him as he addressed us and the group. He spoke of an Old Testament tradition of how someone's home was blessed by presenting a stone. Pastor Latchison presented us with our first mantle piece, a stone, blessing our home.
I was also asked to speak. I had prepared a few things to say, but I was consumed by the moment. As my pastor stood next to us, I was reminded of the way he stood with us as we exchanged vows at our wedding. And, I also recalled the way he stood with us when he dedicated our first child to the Lord. At the home dedication, Pastor Latchison once more stood with us as he dedicated and blessed our first home.
The dedication was amazing. Chris Untiet organized a great event that not only honored us, but the efforts and contributions made by countless volunteers and faith groups during the Lent Build. Everyone shared their thoughts, prayers and good wishes. The dedication was a very thoughtful gift from all those involved with Habitat. We met some wonderful and dedicated people and we were re totally blown away at how much attention Chris and Habitat poured into our home dedication.
Let me end by saying thank you. Thank you to the best pastor ever, Charles Latchison. Thank you to all those who dedicated and blessed our home with their presence on that day. And, thank you to Habitat. Each and every Habitat volunteer and staff person has been absolutely amazing to my family and I since our first day. You are an amazing group of people.
Thank you
The Draughan Family
P.S.: You are all invited to our housewarming party!
Learn How to Apply for Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity in Greater Los Angeles
Labels: city of lynwood, draughan family, habitat for humanity of greater los angeles, Home Dedication, lent build, partner homeowner, rehabilitated homes
