#123 - 4102 Canyon Rd - Eliana
#124 - 4104 Canyon Rd - Ty and Mallory
Today we dedicated the home of Eliana Martinez Garcia and her children, Leila and Christian! It was truly a heartfelt celebration as this beloved family now has a special place to call home. 15 construction volunteers who worked alongside Eliana to create her dream home were there to applaud this accomplishment and give thanks to a good and gracious God for the opportunity to serve. Other Habitat Heroes included 7 folks from our hard-working office staff and 2 lunchroom volunteers that kept things organized and on track. The dedication program was, as always, a demonstration of generosity and joy that is so common in our community.
Father Brandon LeClair, from St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church gave the opening benediction. Paul Chevarley then recognized the businesses and the important role they play in the success of HFHHC. Steve Bertram, recognized and thanked the volunteers for their dedication and hard work that made this day possible. Matt Lemke then presented Eliana with the keys to her new home and Cheryl Moore presented Ellie with a bible. Carol McKernan on behalf of Lou Bates and the Habitat Quilting Bee, presented the family with a beautiful quilt. Longtime volunteer, David Clinkscale, on behalf of the loaves & fishes group from Lakeside Baptist Church, presented various groceries for the family’s pantry. Larry Smith, from the Master Gardeners organization, presented Ellie with additional outdoor plants as well as a notebook on gardening. Irene Smith from Waples United Methodist Church and representing the Women of Waples group, presented the family with a gift certificate. Carol McKernan, on behalf of Wendy Rape, let Ellie know she would be receiving a gift basket from Magnolia Realty. In addition Carol shared that Pat Sullivan had donated a picnic table and photo collage for the home. Carol also shared that the dishes and silverware in the house were provided by a “friend of Habitat“, and pointed out that Mattressville had donated the mattresses in the home. Additionally, the children’s beds were donated by James and Shelly Hericks. Ellie then thanked Habitat and everyone for their support. She did a great job! Father LeClair then closed the ceremony with a celebratory prayer. Visitors were then able to tour the home.
Afterwards we headed back to the warehouse where Eliana provided lunch for everyone. Beef and Chicken tacos complete with rice and beans…it was awesome. It is a blessing to work with such a generous family. (Thank you Ellie!). In addition, The First Christian Church of Granbury, through their youth group, provided cup cakes for dessert! These young folks were just wonderful…thanks guys!
Finally, there was a lot of construction work completed on Eliana’s house (#4102) prior to the dedication. Roofing shingles were installed on the shed and the shed door was hung. Front and back door locks were installed as well as the weather stripping for the doors. The appliances were also installed. The house was then thoroughly cleaned and all of this was accomplished prior to noon. What an absolutely stellar performance by all of our volunteers!
Lord thank you for this wonderful day and for blessing our ministry so richly.
Love Ya!
Richard
photos by Molly
