Habitat for Humanity 2007

Taos, N.M.

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The image of a typical college spring break is that of students going to exotic beaches and basking in the sun. For 19 Concordia students and a faculty leader, this was not the case. They spent their recent spring break surrounded by plains and the Pueblo Peaks in Taos, N.M., with Habitat for Humanity. Kendra Gauffin ’07 says there is great value in what the students did with Habitat for Humanity

“This trip helped me reaffirm the decisions I have made in my life to devote time to helping people,” Gauffin says. “I saw the impact firsthand and I know that because of the small amount of time I dedicated to them, they will be able to have a home, which means so much to me.”

During the week the group mixed clay and sand for adobe bricks, cut lath (small wood pieces), nailed wire meshing to the walls and plastered them. Dani Dommer ’09 appreciated meeting with the families who would live in the houses and the opportunity to help them.

“Our hard work was even more rewarding after we were able to picture the people who will be celebrating birthdays and holidays in the houses we worked on,” Dommer says.

One of the liveliest experiences they had was a worship service at a small Baptist church, where they outnumbered the members of the church. Church members were welcoming and the pastor shared a heartfelt message. Tatianna Benson ’08, a group leader, particularly enjoyed the service.

“The energy and love for God everyone had was very evident, which also made worship an amazing experience,” Benson says.

The entire Habitat experience was life changing for the students. They learned to appreciate what they have and not to take anything for granted.

“It is hard not to be changed from an experience like this,” Benson says. “God was continuing working and moving within us.”