My intent was to volunteer to assist women and children in the challenges they faced due to lack of education, limited resources, and political oppression. But it wasn't until I learned about an upcoming journey to Costa Rica on behalf of Habitat for Humanity that my dream became very specific. Habitat is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate world poverty and homelessness and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Their Global Village program features one- to three-week international trips that give participants a unique opportunity to become active partners with people of other cultures. I was profoundly inspired by the program's approach; they literally construct more positive futures for families in the world community by providing their lives with a critical and important foundation.

I joined ten other people -- all from different places, all with different backgrounds, ranging from medicine to teaching to plumbing to my own marketing credentials. We were all strangers for less than 24 hours as we came to know each other quickly, sharing stories about each other's unique attitudes on life and our common interests in improving it for those who needed help. And though our days were simple -- living in close quarters at the Foundacion, a schoolhouse located in the remote village of San Ramon, and working on the job site all day for almost ten days -- we couldn't have been more satisfied.

The concrete block and mortar homes we built didn't seem like much, but the four families for whom we built them were unbelievably appreciative. We spent our days mixing mortar and concrete by hand, laying concrete brick, digging sanitary tank ditches, and sawing these little pieces of wood used for framing -- pretty grueling work in upwards of 90-degree weather. Many Costa Ricans -- they call themselves Ticos -- joined us in the hard labor as well, expressing such an amazing sense of gratitude for our work. Although most of us only speak a little Spanish, language truly wasn't a problem for us. The Ticos we worked with taught us words throughout the day. My favorite? "Listo," which means ready or finished! We shared many emotional moments during our two-week stay as we were constantly reminded of the life-changing power of what we were doing.

Of course, the trip wasn't all about work. On our third day, we visited Villa Blanco to experience a cloud-forest canopy tour where we were harnessed in gear and zipping across cable lines strewn about 300 feet above the forest floor. Our guides were these younger men who loved to tease me, not so funny when their idea of fun was bouncing the cable lines where I sat dangling. You can imagine my face in that photo! We also had an overnight trip to Volcan Arenal, where hiking and hot springs were the only agenda.

We wrapped up our work in Costa Rica with a special evening celebration with all of the people whose lives we touched. The village celebrated us as the "Valentine Brigade," only fitting since our trip was in mid-February.

I will never be able to put into words how inspirational those Costa Rican days felt, surrounded by energetic new friends and partners. It was one of those transformative life experiences. I've learned how incredibly generous people can be and what little effort it takes to make a tremendous difference. The Ticos whose homes we helped build are so poor but so happy, certainly a good lesson for us all.

Nowadays, toiling away again at work is spent not dreaming about making a difference but, instead, planning my next trip as part of Habitat for Humanity's Global Village.

:: Megan Prentiss

A few of the favorite goodthings Megan and her friends shared in Costa Rica:
Friendly Costa Ricans. Electro-arcing showers. Good ice cream. Good Tosco gloves. Lots of coffee. No rush hour traffic. Nice rooster alarm clock. Soothing swims. Imperial ale. Swingin' with the monkeys. Honest exchange of heartfelt emotions. The best rice and beans ever. Orchids. The Palmares-to-San Ramon mountain road.


(Thoughts on Megan's GoodLetter? E-mail us -- don't forget to tell us your name, where you're from, and if we can use your words in a future GoodLetter or on our Web site.)


TALK ABOUT IT
How important is it to you that all people have access to decent, affordable shelter? How are people and groups around you working to make "home" an inalienable right? Share your stories and ideas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IT
:: Why Habitat for Humanity?
:: Local Initiatives Support Organization
:: National Low Income Housing Coalition
:: Housing Research Foundation
:: Guide to attractive, affordable housing

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
:: Get involved with Habitat for Humanity
:: Connect with Habitat's Women Build program
:: Build houses with Americorps*VISTA

Need more inspiration? See how one person cared about creating affordable housing and did something about it.

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