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 Contributing finances or building materials to HFHG or directly to a local Habitat affiliate. To see the financial contribution options available to you as well as to make a quick pledge, CLICK HERE! |
 Praying for the work of Habitat for Humanity Ghana (HFHG) |
 Volunteering with the Habitat program either as:
 an Individual Volunteer
a Corporate Partner
a member of A Global Village Team
as a member of an International Volunteer Programme.
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Christina Ouwerkerk - Netherlands
My Habitat building experience in Ghana positively impacted my life. A feeling of truly having served humanity remains with me but perhaps even stronger is the sense of having been served by humanity. Witnessing some of the hardest working people I've seen in my life, seeing up close the joy and pride of a new Habitat homeowner, feeling the sense of true community, being instantly accepted by many new little friends.
Above all gaining insight to really recognize the many blessings God has bestowed upon my life, one of them being my trip to Ghana.
There are so many experiences that impressed me; I cannot write them all but these next lines are what I can tell you now. One major thing that struck me was how I became accustomed to the need around me. I think what happened is that I recognized the happiness that shone from most people despite their circumstances. The kids carefree attitude of not really caring what they were wearing. They just are and enjoy being them.
On the outset of a trip many people feel: I'm going to Africa to help them build houses. The feeling I came back with is: they gave me so much more than I gave them. I feel that I didn't work hard enough, I didn't do enough to deserve them saying thank you, when all I could say to them is THANK YOU. I couldn't say you're welcome because once you're there and you see what life is like there, it is nothing less than your duty to give all you can. It is a wake up to how privileged we are in the west and how deprived we are of the true happiness that they have.
Looking back I felt like I didn't do much at all - I really do wonder - I think I've come away with so much more than I brought. Now remains this sense of wishing I was there - changing the world - if only by a little. Missing the warmth of Africa - the warm people, the warm climate, the warm sense inside that comes from doing a job that is appreciated.
These trips are effective because they change the way we think - about Africa, about poverty, about poverty housing, about our world. And they may be effective in changing the stereotypes Africans have about Westerners as well - who knows. Once we change the way we think we can become ambassadors for the course and for our new friends in Africa.
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