It has been two weeks since Claire and I left Vietnam where we participated in the Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Mekong 2009 Work Project.

Every day I still think about the small fishing village and the kind and gracious people we encountered.  I feel privileged to have had the opportunity assist 32 families who until now have been living on their fishing boat.  You could see the difference in their faces each day as their small block home (400 square feet) took shape.  There smiles got bigger and they stood taller with pride.  Even though there was a language barrier, they showed their appreciation in many ways.

The picture you see is our homeowner with John, one of our team members from Canada.  Our homeowner bonded with John and that made it even more special that he laid the last block on the home.  John had never worked on a Habitat house.  He read about the project and decided to make the trip as his 60th birthday present to himself.

Today, we all are a part of a global community.  Habitat for Humanity International builds at home and around the globe.  The Carter project is just one vehicle to bring to the forefront the need for affordable housing.  It alternates between here at home and abroad.  We will keep you posted as to where it will be next year.