All things new.

A team from Mountain View, Va., just left this past Saturday - probably tired and energized at the same time. The team of nine guys worked really well together and it was one of the most wonderful experiences to witness the transfer of keys from Jeff, the team leader, to Isabelle, the matriarch who will be one of seven people living in the freshly-painted yellow home the team built. A really interesting fact about the houses is that the designer of the houses is a man who went through CCA's rehab program and after giving his life to God, began helping the church with the design and is now the main person in charge of making sure the homes are at the right standard.

Our new partnership with CCA Church in Alajuelita is just beginning and I'm excited to see the other projects that our team will help with. CCA is a church that is living out their beliefs - from rehabilitation centers to a private school; to buying businesses so they can employ people from the community. They are a true example of the church taking care of those less fortunate in a real and practical way.

On the third day of building, Maximo, the director of the yellow house project, took us all to the men's rehab center. I was slightly hesitant since I was the only female (on the team and at the rehab), but it was one of the most touching experiences I've had yet. All of the men at the rehab center shared a brief story of how they had come to be there and their hopes of making it through the nine month program. Some had been there several times and quit half-way through and others were there for the first time. There were men who were 17 and some who were older than 60. It was such a testimony to the fact that it's never too late to change. God can and will give us the strength...He delights in making us new, transformed and wants to help us, no matter how many times we fail.

Now if you find yourself falling apart, well I am sure I could steer
The great salt lake

Follow me home
We want more
Follow me home
We all want more
If ever beat down
We know who we are / They know who we are
If ever beat down
We know who we are
They all know we want more
Band of Horses, Great Salt Lake