Habitat World Online

Precious Mettle
Kraig Koschnick, a Montana general contractor who served as a National Guard combat medic in Iraq, won Habitat World’s 2008 essay contest and traveled to Pascagoula, Miss., in May for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Once Koschnick returned home, in between barn-building jobs, he sat down to reflect on Habitat.

It’s amazing what you can learn about an individual in a 45-minute bus ride: their children’s names, where they’re from, where they have been in life, perhaps where they want to go. There is something very warm and comforting about meeting people associated with Habitat for Humanity. They are a unique breed, a family all their own, and for a long time I couldn’t put my finger on why, but after spending a week in Pascagoula, Miss., with thousands of them, I have figured it out.

"For months I anticipated what I would do, who I would meet, what it would be like," says Koschnick."I never guessed that my expectations would be surpassed.

I come from a state whose motto is “Oro y Plata.” It’s Latin for “gold and silver,” and for anyone who doesn’t know the history of the American West, gold and silver (or the promise thereof) have been a magnet for attracting people. What I have found is that Habitat for Humanity is a big magnet, only it attracts gold and silver found in the hearts of a special breed of people, people who are willing to go all over the world to help those in need of a home. They volunteer their time, their talents and their life experiences for one week a year and ask for nothing in return other than to see a smile on the faces of the family they’ve helped and maybe, just maybe, catch a glimpse of Jimmy or Rosalynn Carter.

Months ago, I sat down at my computer and wrote an essay to Habitat about what I was feeling at that very moment. Little did I know that it would earn me a trip to the Gulf Coast build. For months I anticipated what I would do, who I would meet, what it would be like. I never would have guessed that my expectations would be surpassed and a week working in Mississippi would be one of the most touching weeks of my life. Sure, I worked with Garth Brooks, met Trisha Yearwood and spent the better part of three days roofing with Emily Bergl. I even got to shake President Carter’s hand. But more than all of that, I helped build a house for a family desperately in need of one. I saw tears of joy fall from their faces, and it forever humbled me.

Many moons ago, in my early years of college, I took an introduction to sports class. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but I didn’t take it to get an easy grade; I took it to complement my teaching degree. To be honest, I can’t say I remember much from that class, as we talked about sports I never knew existed. I did, however, take one concept that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I’m not much for golf. The last time I swung a club, the cows in the field next to the driving range were doing their best to avoid my slices. I didn’t know cows could run so fast. I haven’t touched a club since, but the words of Coach Gatlin still echo in my head from that college class: “You always leave the course in better shape than you found it.”

It’s a simple concept, and that’s why from that day on, I have tried to treat people like my golf course. Habitat for Humanity is one of the few organizations I have found that shares that philosophy. Thanks, Habitat, for adopting me with open arms. I’m proud to be part of your family.