Exporting Habitat’s mission to Mozambique and Haiti

This past fall Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity led a volunteer group on a Global Village trip to Mozambique on the eastern coast of Africa. The 18 volunteers, ranging in age from 19 to 72, worked with local families to build three complete homes (including Mozambique's 2,000th Habitat home). Everyone returned with inspirational stories of Habitat's power of bringing people together and improving lives through safe, decent homes. Here are some of the things the trip goers had to say.

All my life, I have read about Africa, seen photos, and followed the news relaying the political, economic and health related struggles that this vast continent has endured. But until I experienced Africa for myself, I understood neither the beauty nor the harsh realities of the people who live there.

-Kathy Tolo, TCHFH Staff and Global Village team member

I will remember the smiling kids' faces - full of creativity and hope - and the strength of the village women to help their kids see a better future. People were full of life and doing the best with what they had. That was great! It was also great to get to know such wonderful people on our team and those working on the ground each day in Mozambique. I am glad our paths crossed and hope they do so more in the future.
-Sarvin Patel, Global Village Team Member

Isabelle, our soon–to-be homeowner, spent her days balancing gallons upon gallons of water on her head for our daily use, mixing and cooking her corn/cabbage once-daily meal for hours over a small outside “camp-fire,” teaching her four boys the responsibility of taking care of each other and doing chores- and like any mother, scolding them when they hung upside down in trees. But what was invisible, at least to us during these moments, is that Isabelle is HIV positive, along with one of her boys. Yet her physical strength and perseverance are astonishing, all because as a Habitat homeowner, she now has the security of a place to live with cement floors, and the assurance of warmth from the walls of a Habitat home. 

 -Jennifer Sarteau, Global Village Team Member & TCHFH Board Member

We spent today putting in the floors of our homes. It was really the first time our homeowners truly believed they were going to have a home that would keep their families healthy. Concrete floors reduce infant mortality by 80% here in Mozambique, so it is really an accomplishment to get them in.  

-Trista Matacastillo, Global Village Trip Leader & TCHFH Staff Member 

Materially, these people have nothing, but here they were praising God for our presence, people they knew nothing about. They treated us like the most important people in the world, when in reality they were more than royalty to us. I have never felt more welcome in a room full of strangers. 
-Clementine Sarteau, Global Village Team Member

Read more personal accounts and see photos here. If you are interested in being contacted about upcoming Global Village trips, please contact Jeff Smith at 612-305-7125; jeff.smith@tchabitat.org.