Habitat World Online


	Habitat volunteer Bob Abel, pictured with HFH homeowner Patricia Muñoz Romero, volunteered at the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004 in Mexico with 3,800 other volunteers from 34 countries.

Sacrifices of a Working Vacation

by Bob Abel

Editor's note: Last October, Habitat for Humanity volunteer Bob Abel, from Linthicum Heights, Md., traveled to Puebla, Mexico, to build houses as part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004. Following is his reflection upon that experience. He says he quickly realized the vacation opportunities he was missing, that instead of going to Mexico to build Habitat homes with families in need, he could have:

Vacationed with strangers on the beaches of Cancún and not befriended dozens of special, purpose-driven Habitat volunteers.
Taken a cruise and eaten like a king and not enjoyed authentic Mexican meals under a tent, prepared with love by Mexican culinary students.
Spent time with old friends and missed the opportunity to know a new friend in the single mother and new Habitat homeowner whose radiant smile and work ethic captured our hearts.
Called on Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace and not been inspired or strengthened in character as I was by working with the Carters.
Laughed at a party but not encountered the kind of joy that comes as volunteers laugh at their own mistakes, celebrate their triumphs—while building new homes and relationships.
Visited a spa and missed the exemplary care of a volunteer surgeon, nurses and others from a Florida hospital who carefully removed a large splinter from my hand and became my friends.
Spent a quiet week of rest and relaxation and not experienced the feeling of being fully energized even when physically tired.
Climbed Mt. McKinley but not reached the peak of satisfaction that comes from helping others, warming my heart and igniting within me new hope for mankind.
Camped in a primitive campground and still not learned what true "roughing it" is as experienced by our neighbors throughout the world who live daily without safe, decent, healthy shelter.
Joined a worldly tour and missed the opportunity to experience the world through fellowship with spirited volunteers from 35 nations.
Journeyed to a place where everyone speaks English and not experienced the universal language that binds us through smiles and hugs.
Enjoyed a world-class symphony without discovering the power of music from a lively mariachi band playing in the street while working hand in hand to lay block for the decent homes.
Traveled to Italy to see the Matterhorn and not been as inspired as by the "million-dollar" view of the snow-capped volcanic peak framed by the ordinary windows of simple Habitat homes.
Toured China, marveling at the Great Wall, and not been reminded of the walls that divide people and how, working together, we can break down those barriers that separate us.
Undertaken an archeological dig and not been nearly so moved as by the creative use of stones and block that volunteers designed, shaped and carved into inspirational messages left in the tiny yards for the new Habitat homeowners.
Worshipped in the most magnificent cathedral on earth and not felt God's presence as strongly as when our six-foot-tall construction house leader, with tears in his eyes and a cracking voice, led us in prayer as we dedicated the home and said "adios" to new Habitat homeowner and friend Patricia Muñoz Romero.

Stepping out in faith at the 2004 Jimmy Carter Work Project provided the little miracles each day that stirred my soul. Although the work was sometimes hard and the days long, I sacrificed nothing by my choice of a "working" vacation and gained so much more than I gave. One of the greatest gifts was the stark reminder to keep my "middle-class-privileged" mind focused on the reality of how well I live compared to the living conditions endured by much of the world's population.

--Although Abel has participated in many local, regional and national Habitat for Humanity events, this was his first international experience.