The past two days, our group worshiped, ate, and played with the staff and children from La Casa. Today, we got to sweat for the kids at La Casa. Before we came, Gary, Craig, and Brian had decided that renovation of the boys’ bunk area was the best choice for our team’s efforts. We set off from the hotel at 8:00am this morning, eager to dive in at La Casa de mi Padre. There were lots of projects to busy us: scrubbing, priming, painting, wiring and hanging new lights, and then more scrubbing. One can imagine what 14 little boys can do to a dormitory over 10 years. We brought tools, energy, and expertise with us from the states. However, we are mindful that La Casa isn’t a project. It is a home. We went about our tasks with joy because we want these boys to know that we love them and want to be part—even a small part—of their stories. Were there some gross moments as we scraped walls and toilets? Absolutely! But, what a privilege to serve a Savior who was born in a lowly, dirty manger. Jesus didn’t disdain the diseased or the messy. He embraced the parts of life the Pharisees called unclean. Our Savior considered identification with the oppressed as central to his message. St. Teresa of Avila said, “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours.” How true.
We are BEYOND tired this evening. Everyone put in lots of hard work, but the rooms are already looking much more cheerful. After a good night’s rest, I know we will be ready to go again. We can’t wait to present these boys with rooms they can be proud of and care for. Brian reminded us last night that we are bringing physical light fixtures to these rooms, but more important, we are preparing the way for light and grace in these boys’ lives. What an awesome way to spend a day!
~ Brad and Jennifer Hanchey
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