This Global Village team of RV Care-A-Vanners worked and traveled in New Zealand in May 2002.

Around the World in an RV?

Last May, 10 couples assembled for what was--in some respects--a typical Habitat for Humanity RV Care-A-Vanner build. They worked with local volunteers and homeowners to build simple, decent houses with two families. In the process, they improved their building skills, made friends, went sightseeing and shared meals.

It was the location that made this build unique: This first RV Care-A-Vanner build outside of North America was also a Global Village trip to New Zealand.

Despite the potential for mishap while traveling through an unfamiliar country in rented recreational vehicles, the experience was positive, says Marge Kitterman, a Habitat volunteer who led the team with her husband, Bob. "It was the perfect trip," she says. "No one was sick; no one was grumpy; no one got lost. Even when it rained, the rainbows were beautiful."

The team spent a week building in Invercargill, on the South Island of New Zealand, took time to explore and wrapped up the month with a week in Whangarei, on the North Island. A highlight of the trip was working with one of the homeowners and her three children.

"Their constant question was, 'Why did you come all this way?'" Marge says. "It's just so good to work with deserving families."

'Care-A-Vanning' with Habitat
While the "typical" RV Care-A-Vanner is retired, the program attracts men and women of all ages, occupations and skill levels. The sole requirement for participation is a recreational vehicle--a motor home, trailer, van or tent--in which the volunteer is able to live temporarily.

Affiliate requests for Care-A-Vanner teams in 2003 have more than doubled last year's requests. Volunteers interested in the RV Care-A-Vanner program or schedule can obtain more information by calling (800) HABITAT, ext. 2446, or by visiting Habitat's Web site at www.habitat.org/gv/rv.html.

--Rebekah Graydon