Habitat for Humanity 2007

Mount Pleasant, S.C.

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A group of 19 Concordia students and a faculty leader spent their spring break on the beach of Mount Pleasant, S.C. – only instead of sunbathing, they helped lay the foundation for a house with Habitat for Humanity.

During the week, they spent countless hours preparing the groundwork of the house. Some of the group also helped with the finishing touches on the Habitat house next door.

Heidi Tysver ’08, a student leader, says the best part of the trip was the people they worked with in Mount Pleasant. The most memorable was George, an 83-year-old man who is well experienced in cement laying.

“His witty remarks and desire to put the most quality into the work being done was an inspiration for many,” Tysver says. “He claims he’d like to follow his mothers footsteps, as she had volunteered with Habitat until she was 101 years old.”

Searle Swedlund, alumni associate director, was the faculty leader on the trip. He says the group took a lot of pride in the work they were doing.

“There wasn’t a day that I wasn’t continually impressed by the enthusiasm, patience, understanding and simple compassion this group showed each other and our new friends in South Carolina,” Swedlund says.

In addition to working with George, the group was invited for dinner with the family of a fellow Concordia student in Mount Pleasant. They were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food and amazing hospitality and fellowship.

“They literally rolled out the red carpet,” Swedlund says. “Their home was our home, and for that two-hour window we enjoyed their stories and had the opportunity to be welcomed into a family who didn’t know any of us.”

Tysver says the entire experience was enriching and the members of the group want to do more to help people. Returning to class was difficult after spending so many days helping people directly.

“We have to remember that once we have gained the excellent educations that Concordia has to offer, we will have the chance to use our gifts and talents every day in our working lives,” Tysver says.

She saw another change in the students as they got into the hard work, got to know one another and the families and volunteers in South Carolina.

“I saw people light up, become alive, feel empowered, become more confident and truly become a light for the Lord,” Tysver says.