Week 24: Building Strong Foundations

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The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. -Matthew 7:25 Grace and peace to you at this most wonderful time of year! As we mark Cedar Valley Habitat’s 25th anniversary, it is so clear how blessed we are to be in relationship with you. Thank you for continuing to support the work of Habitat in this community so generously! While most of us hardly notice such things, our construction team spends a great deal of time making sure the foundations for our Habitat homes are just right. It might not make the local news, but this phase of construction is the most critical piece to ensuring that a home is built to last for our partner families. We believe that the right foundation for our life-changing housing program has been provided and continually blessed by God. But for 25 years now, the home on that foundation has been built, in every sense of the word, by individuals and families like you. Our organization, as well as our great community, has been tested, but houses built on “the rock” are forever homes. We did not meet our goal of serving 25 families this year…we exceeded it! By year’s end, 30 families will have benefited from our range of dynamic housing programs. Six of those beautiful families are pictured above. Thanks to you, these particular families not only have a home of their own for the first time at the holidays, but more importantly, the foundation for a brighter future!   We surely will be tested again next year. With the number of families in-need throughout Linn and Benton counties increasing and aggressive flood-related rebuilding efforts continuing, there is more work than ever to do. But on the strength of a program rooted in faith, good works and unparalleled partnerships, together, we will continue to build on our foundation and change lives! Thank you for believing in and supporting our ministry! With Love and Gratitude, Jeff Capps, Executive Director Joe Strathman, Board President P.S. – Your support helps provide a solid foundation for future Habitat families! Please use the buttons below to donate online or donate by mail to offer your invaluable financial support for our 2014 program!! All gifts postmarked by December 31, 2013 will be recognized as 2013 donations.

Please make a donation today using our secure online donation form or by mail using this downloadable form. We partner with as many families as possible, but the problem of inadequate housing has reached critical proportions globally. Your donation helps to build affordable housing for families in need, providing them with shelter and the hope of a better life.

Week 23: Keeping Hope Afloat

This is a video from last winter featuring our AmeriCorps members!

Week 22: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Week 21: Benton County Chapter

The Benton County Chapter of Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity began in 2001 and serves communities in Benton County including: Atkins, Belle Plaine, Blairstown, Garrison, Keystone, Luzerne, Mount Auburn, Newhall, Norway, Shellsburg, Urbana, Van Horne, Vinton and Walford.

The Benton County Chapter has their own board and tackles several projects every year. In 2012 and 2013, they were able to complete several A Brush with Kindness projects. To learn more, visit www.cvhabitat.org/bentoncounty.

Week 20: 2010 AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon

For the second consecutive year, Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity was selected to host the annual Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon. On June 11-18, 2010, more than 500 Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps National and AmeriCorps VISTA members from across the country gathered in Cedar Rapids to build, rehabilitate and repair more than 20 homes in partnership with local families.

The need for affordable housing is especially great in the Cedar Rapids area, where nearly 4,000 homes were damaged by fast-rising water during the devastating floods of June 2008, the worst natural and economic disaster in Iowa’s history.

The sheer size of the disaster’s impact on Cedar Rapids is difficult to comprehend. Approximately 9.2 square miles of the city were underwater; floodwaters exceeded the 500-year floodplain level by many feet; and the damage to residential property in Cedar Rapids was valued at more than $736 million.

The 2010 Build-a-Thon will highlight the recovery efforts in the Cedar Rapids area and will showcase three approaches to meeting the housing needs of communities: new construction, rehabilitation and repair.

New construction
The new construction element of the event will took place in northeast Cedar Rapids, on Council Street Northeast between Fox Trail Drive Northeast and Main Street in Robins, Iowa. Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity planned to frame and “dry in” 11 new homes during the Build-a-Thon. One additional crew prepared two more homes for construction by installing floor systems and completing basement framing during the build week. The homes were later completed by local volunteers during the rest of the build season.

Rehabilitation
Working in partnership with Block by Block, a local rebuilding program working primarily on owner-occupied homes, Cedar Valley HFH and National Service Build-a-Thon participants rehabilitated homes in Northwest Cedar Rapids, the area of the city most severely affected by the 2008 floods.

Repair (A Brush with Kindness)
Cedar Valley HFH is participating in Habitat for Humanity International’s exterior home repair program called A Brush with Kindness, part of Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. Teams will worked in the Wellington Heights neighborhood on the east side of the Cedar River.

National Service participant roles for ABWK Build-a-Thon projects included painting, scraping, minor carpentry repairs, door and window replacement, and landscaping on older two- and three-story homes.

Goals of the 2010 Build-a-Thon:

• Engage AmeriCorps members in a meaningful service project, building esprit de corps among members.
• Highlight the impact of Habitat for Humanity International and the Corporation for National and Community Service partnership.
• Increase the overall capacity of Cedar Valley HFH in the wake of the 2008 flooding.
• Develop partnerships with corporations, individuals, communities, businesses, and local and state governments that recognize the need for affordable, decent housing for all.
• Infuse hope into the lives of those affected by the 2008 Iowa flooding.
• Blitz-build, rehab and repair more than 20 homes in Cedar Rapids with families in need.
• Rebuild Iowa!

Week 19: Home Builders Blitz

Local homebuilders partnered with Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity to raise walls on two homes and give hope to two deserving low-income families seeking decent and affordable housing in the greater Cedar Rapids area as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2012. Groundbreaking for the projects was on Wednesday, April 11 at the construction site, located at 104 10th Avenue in Hiawatha.

Local Habitat for Humanity representatives and Home Builders Association members spoke during a short program.

The nationwide Home Builders Blitz projects seek to build and renovate more than 200 homes, thanks to the skilled labor provided by local professional homebuilders and construction firms.

Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz was a partnership between Habitat affiliates and the building community to build and renovate homes across the United States. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising and seeking donations of materials. Builders participating in the program this year will work with more than 100 Habitat affiliates.

“We are excited to partner with the Greater Cedar Rapids Area Home Builders Association and engage them in our work to help families in need of affordable housing,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “By sharing their talents and skills with us, we are able to increase our capacity to help fulfill the dreams of two local families. We thank the builders for their commitment and dedication to making Home Builders Blitz 2012 a success.”

Locally, a committee of member builders from the Greater Cedar Rapids Area Home Builders Association along with Jeff Capps and Ron Olinger from Habitat for Humanity worked for months with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain materials and professional labor for the build.

"The HBA is so proud to be able to be part of this event. Our members are the best in the industry and really show it once again by stepping up to donate time and materials to build these two houses, said 2012 HBA President Joe Ahmann of Ahmann Design. "We are very pleased to be able to say that nearly 100% of all labor and materials will be supplied by HBA member companies!"

June 8, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Day 5	June 8, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Dedication
June 6, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Day 3	June 7, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Day 4
June 4, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz - Day 1	June 5, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Day 2
May 10, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Site Prep	April 11, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Groundbreaking

Sponsors for the 2012 Home Builders Blitz included:
Greater Cedar Rapids Area Homebuilders Association

ABC Disposal ABC Supply Abode Construction Action Services Advance Millwork Joe Ahmann Ahmann Design All Clear Allan Custom Homes Jason Anderson Construction The Ar-Jay Center Arctic Insulation A-Tech/Beam Team Big Creek Granite Jody Bowers Cantebury Kitchens Carroll Distributing & Construction Supply Cedar Ridge Homes City of Hiawatha City Revealed Classic Home Remodeling Community Savings Bank Coonrod Crane Service Crescent Electric Supply Company Jeff Denniston DPI Custom Finishes Dean Driscoll Construction EIC Roofing The Element Group Elite Carpentry Engineered Building Design Eric Faaborg Ferguson Enterprises First Supply 5 Star Plumbing Foster’s Heating and Air Conditioning Garage Doors by George Glass Concepts Gypsum Supply Company H&H Home Builders Hall & Hall Engineers Hardscapes Solutions Hawkeye Electric Hawkeye Ready-Mix John Helm Kris Hill Hills Bank & Trust Marty Hoeger

Hope United Church of Christ Wes Howard Hughes Nursery & Landscaping JB Roofing Kelly Concrete KGAN CBS 2 King’s Material Duncan McCallum McGrath Powersports Lisa McMillen-Boese Lowe’s Home Improvement Menards Menefee Drywall Midwest Curb Grinding Milgard Windows Neighborhood Development Corporation Ollinger Doors Trevor Parks People’s Church Plumb Supply Prairie Ridge Estates, LLC RAM Plumbing Dick Ransom Rick Rathje Rathje Construction Drew Retz ReVosWel River of Life Ministries RJ Construction St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Jim Sattler Schumacher Carpets Sherwin-Williams Signs Etc. Source One Cleaning Solutions Springville Ready-Mix Star Equipment Steger Drywall Stetson Building Products Streff Electric Tom Takes Tim Jacobs Homebuilders Kelly Thompson Tom Takes Construction Trevor Parks Construction Company Tri-County Seamless Gutter Van Meter, Inc. Windows by Pella

Week 18: The Zineli Family

The Zeneli family includes Arben(Beni), Kosovare, their daughter, Drenosha (7), their son, Dreni (6), their daughter, Azra (1), and a new baby just born in early November.

Before becoming part of the Youth United program, they all lived in an apartment that has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The living quarters wer very tight with a growing family and do not allow for the type of outdoor lifestyle that the family appreciates. The children wanted to go out and play but it was difficult to keep an eye on the children to ensure their safety.

They think to the future and only hope for amazing things for their children and their children’s children. They want the best, home and education they can provide for them and having a stable place to call home, that will be a great place to start.

Beni and Kosovare thank everyone for this wonderful opportunity. “We could not be more grateful to volunteers or to Habitat to make this happen for our family. We are very blessed and thankful. Thank you!”

September 26, 2013 - Youth United Home Dedication

May 15, 2013 - Youth United/Kurt Warner First Things First Day

Week 17: Infographic - Response to the 2008 Flood

Week 16: Dedication

By Bea Flodeen

As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), there are certain principles we abide by, one of which is celebrations. We pray in morning circle before volunteers go to work, we bless the project at groundbreakings and we rejoice every time a family receives the keys to their new home.

As is stated in "Celebrations," a resource guide from HFHI:

 

One of the foundational principles upon which Habitat for Humanity was established and operates is that we build houses as a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are proudly a Christian ministry. One means of maintaining our Christian focus is to start each meeting and each day on the site with prayer. [...] Groundbreakings and dedication services committed to the glory of God are also essential foundations for each home. Our hope is that these resources will help your affiliate and church partners focus on the blessings of Jesus Christ in this ministry.

 

The following is an actual home dedication program.

ORDER OF SERVICE
Welcome
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Opening Prayer
Dave Loy, Minister, Community of Christ
Acknowledgments
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Scripture Reading
Trisha Finn, Future Habitat Homeowner
Litany of Life
Dave Loy
Presentation of the Partner Covenant
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Presentation of Keys
Councilman Chuck Swore, City of Cedar Rapids
Presentation of Gifts
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Tim Cernin, Cedar Rapids and Marion Hy-Vee Food & Drug Stores
Pat Nauman, CVC of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Inc
Joyce Black & Tom Fruehling, Holy Redeemer Lutheran
Jeri Hines and Michael Ask, Heartscape Studios
Closing Prayer and Benediction
Dave Loy

SCRIPTURE
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

LITANY OF LIFE
Leader: With gratitude to God who has provided the materials and given us strength to build this house.
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the deep and abiding love that binds the family together,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the understanding, patience, discipline and forgiveness essential for the growth and fulfillment of the Finn family,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the vision, courage, faith and hope that make life cheerful and serene,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the beauty and order and cleanliness that provide a wholesome atmosphere and elevate the spirit of Christian living,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the training of the bodies, minds and souls of all who live within these walls,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the work of God’s kingdom in the world and in cooperation with his church,
People: We dedicate this home to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

October 10, 2013 - Thrivent Home Dedication	September 26, 2013 - Youth United Home Dedication
June 24, 2013 - Finn Home Dedication	October 24, 2012 - Hope Builders Dedication
October 15, 2012 - Whirlpool/Wells Fargo Dedication	November 13, 2012 - Women Build Dedication
September 8, 2012 - Home Dedication	August 6, 2012 - Thrivent Dedication
July 18, 2012 - Home Dedication	June 8, 2012 - Home Builders Blitz Dedication
October 3, 2011 - World Habitat Day	100th Home Dedication
August 9, 2011 - Thrivent Dedication	October 30, 2010 - Home Dedications
October 3, 2009 - Home Dedications

Week 15: Infographic: Thrivent's Impact

Week 14: The Gahungu/Rutuga Family

By Jennifer Robinson

Bruno and Furaha met in 2007 in one of the refugee camps located in Northern part of Kenya in Africa. They are both from Africa but from different countries. Bruno is from Burundi and Furaha is from the Congo. They started their relationship as friends and then after a while, fell in love.

In 2009 the US Government selected them for the refugee resettlement program. They left their homeland refugee camp and came to the United States, Bruno in July and Furaha in August of 2009. Bruno landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and two weeks later Furaha came and landed in Fort Worth, Texas. Bruno started to work at Cardone Industries and they reunited in Philadelphia in July of 2010.

In August of that same year they started to make plans for their wedding and on August 28, 2010 their dream became a reality as that was the day they got married. One year later God blessed them with a daughter, Amida Sumaili born on July 14th, 2011 and then a son Bruno Sumaili born October 23rd, 2012.

After Bruno lost his job in Philadelphia, a friend living in Cedar Rapids talked to him about a company called Whirlpool and told him to apply for a job there. In December of 2011, they made the move to Iowa and got his job at Whirlpool where he’s currently working today.

 It’s been a great move for them and they are excited that Cedar Rapids will now become their new home. They heard about Habitat for Humanity from another friend living in a Habitat house in Marion and they decided to apply in January of 2013.

Words can’t express how excited they were to receive the news that their application had been approved. It was a miracle for their family and they look forward to working together with many Thrivent volunteers to build their new home! They are so thankful for the opportunity and thank Thrivent Financial for helping them to complete their dreams!

July 19, 2013 - Thrivent Build

August 3, 2013 - Thrivent Build

October 10, 2013 - Thrivent Home Dedication

Week 13: Habitat Language

Using the news feeds for Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore, we were able to make word clouds for both. The larger the word, the more it is used. Any words stick out for you that maybe you didn't expect?

Week 12: AmeriCorps: Getting Things Done

By Bea Flodeen

I must preface this entry by saying this is more of a personal story than other of the other entries I've posted in previous weeks. I began my involvement with Habitat for Humanity in September 2007, when I stepped into a ReStore for the very first time.

I have to admit I was shocked entering the door. The warehouse space was packed with brass and glass lighting from floor to ceiling, bathtubs and sinks precariously lined several rows, and volunteers buzzed about like bees sorting nails and screws.

Back in 2007, AmeriCorps members were still allowed to support the ReStore in everyday operations. Once I'd signed on the dotted line to become an AmeriCorps State member, I did quite a bit of everything including running to the back door to unload donations, running to the front register to check out customers, hauling down cabinets piled sometimes three deep on shelves and hauling myself upstairs to answer volunteer questions in my email. As the repetition might indicate, the blur of the first year and a half of my time as an AmeriCorps was spent running and lifting. I'd come home every night exhausted and more often than not with fresh bruises. But I slept very well at night knowing I was serving. I was "getting things done."

As an inititive of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a federal program, similar to a domestic Peace Corps. Members spend anywhere from 1/4 of a year to 4 years serving their communities and fall into one of several sub-categories including Senior Corps, VISTA, National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), State and National. Learn more...

When the 2008 Flood hit, we stood by the front windows of the ReStore watching the rain pour down. I remember very clearly saying to the other AmeriCorps member, who had just driven up from the Cedar Valley Habitat office, located near 3rd Street and 6th Avenue, "I wonder if the computers will be okay in the downtown office."

He told me they'd placed the computers up high on filing cabinets and was sure the water would never reach that far up the street. As it turns out, I saw our downtown office on the news that next day. Or rather, I saw the roof of our downtown office. The entirety of the small building where we'd kept all of our records, all of our history (except a few pictures I had borrowed to work on the ReStore second anniversary flier), everything had gone underwater. Weeks later a select few were allowed to return to the mold-filled office. We were able to retrieve some of the deeds and mortgages that had not been swept away. Those files had to be freeze-dried and sent away to be cleaned and repaired by professionals.

More than just homes and offices were destroyed. The psyche of the city was damaged. I never felt it more clearly than when I set up my small display board next to dozens of other area non-profits offering emergency services to scores and scores of homeless and flood affected folks. They shuffled by each table, each hungry to tell their story of loss and need.

My heart was torn that night.

Habitat for Humanity is a brand known all over the world as a beacon of hope - whose purpose is to create homeownership, to offer a hand-up to people in need. Our local affiliate had lost our own "home" in the flood and we were in no position to assist anyone.

In the weeks and months ahead, Habitat for Humanity International sent two "Legacy Leaders" to us from Georgia and I worked with them every day for many months recreating manuals, policies, and procedures. The board hired a new executive director. And then we got the call that the "AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon" was to be hosted in Cedar Rapids.

In 2009 and again in 2010, 500-600 AmeriCorps members from all over the United States came to Cedar Rapids to help build homes and hope. It felt incredible to me personally, seeing all of the people jumping off of the buses in their AmeriCorps gear, smiling and ready to go to work. I felt connected. I felt like we were "getting things done."

AmeriCorps members have a pledge they recite as part of their mission which I saw first-hand, the second the members came to Iowa. I still see it today, as we now annually have at least four full-time AmeriCorps State members serving with us:

I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.

I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.

Faced with apathy, I will take action.

Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity, I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.

Week 11: Planting Seeds of Kindness

By Bea Flodeen

Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) and Habitat Gardens Iowa are teaming up to complete two projects in two cities with incoming Cornell College freshman during their Service Day on August 31. Beginning at 9 a.m., Cornell volunteers will begin work at Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s “RV Care-A-Vanner Park,” located at 1125 4th Street NW in Cedar Rapids. The second group of volunteers will begin at Heritage Christian School, located at 255 Hackberry Street in North Liberty.

The Cedar Rapids team will plant about 800 square feet of a variety of flowers at the CVHFH RV park, beautifying the location for incoming “Care-A-Vanner” volunteers. RV Care-A-Vanners is a volunteer program for anyone who travels in a recreational vehicle, wants to build Habitat houses and have fun doing it. RV Care-A-Vanners welcomes people of all ages, from all walks of life who want to pick up a hammer and help change lives.

The North Liberty team will work on nearly 1000 square feet, beautifying the school grounds for the enjoyment of students, family and neighbors for years to come. Because Heritage Christian is a private school, neither funding nor plants are provided as part of the Project GREEN program in the area. In partnering with Cornell College, Habitat Gardens Iowa plans to fill that need by providing the plants and volunteer labor.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring the three organizations together for one fantastic goal,” says Carol Vermeer Neel, director and co-founder of Habitat Gardens Iowa. “This is our third year engaging Cornell College students in the ministry of Habitat Gardens and we look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come. We always want the students to feel like they are part of our team!”

Volunteers interested in joining Habitat Gardens on the next community gardening day are invited to email habitatgardensiowa@aol.com or visit www.habitatgardens.net for more information.

Habitat Gardens Iowa is a community-based organization that brings together local schools, families, businesses, and individuals to help plant gardens while educating families on gardening basics. Equipped with this knowledge, these families will have the tools they need to plant their gardens year after year, adding beauty to their homes and neighborhoods and healthy fresh produce to their tables. For more information, visit the Habitat Gardens Iowa website at www.habitatgardens.net or follow projects on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatGardensIowa.

June 22, 2013 - Habitat Gardens

September 1, 2012 - Habitat Gardens

Week 10: Building on Faith

By Bea Flodeen

 

“Pack the zip-ties,” a still, small voice whispered to Erica as she packed her suitcase for the trip.

Cable ties seemed like the last thing to pack when getting ready for a mission trip with her church to Africa. Even so, she placed the package in her luggage and zipped it closed. “It’s not like there will be a Wal-Mart out in the savanna to pick these up if I need them,” she thought to herself before heading out the door.

It took days stalking through three airports and riding bumpy trails in a bus with no real roads to reach her destination in Zambia, Africa. The team from her church, Hillside Wesleyan, planned to assist a hospital while visiting. Two American doctors were the only staff, with missionaries or volunteers filling in where they could. She planned to help deliver babies and take care of sick patients like the rest of her church team, but the still, small voice whispered again; she and some others from her group were going to the nearby orphanage.

Sitting in a worn chair that he was beginning to outgrow, with a scuffed table and stuffed bear, Royal smiled at Erica and immediately she knew why she had traveled all this way.

When his mother died in childbirth, Royal was brought to the orphanage by his father because he could not take care of him. When he was just months old, Royal had seizures and was left alone, causing damage to his young brain. The cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities affected his ability to speak and move even so far as to open his hands all the way. His difficult life had not taken away his joy though, and his bright smile is what drew Erica to his side.

Back in Iowa, Erica worked at The Arc and had very specific training to assist clients just like Royal. She knew how to speak his language, even though words were not used. Seeing how he was carried by the other children in the orphanage, she was certain with the assistance of braces for his arms and legs, he would be able to someday move on his own. In the meantime, she was told of an old, broken stroller that had been donated. They occasionally used it to help move him around, but the back was broken so he had to lay flat as he was rolled around the yard.

Remembering the cable ties in her pack, she raced for them and returned shortly, carefully connecting the chair back to its frame again. For the first time, Royal was able to sit up and smile, taking in his surroundings as the ground moved underneath him.

Erica visited with Royal for the rest of her time in Africa, but promised to return. With measurements of his arms and legs for braces in hand, she left Royal and his repaired stroller. She is reaching out to contacts in Iowa to help make the braces that she will get to him, hopefully before her next trip to Zambia in a year.

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Erica lives in a home with her mother, grandmother and daughter. It is a Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity home, built in the early 90’s. Even at three-years-old, she still remembers seeing the volunteers working on the home she would grow up in. That spirit of service was instilled in her at a young age, and is reflected to this day in her work and the connections she’s made half-way around the world.

In October 2013, work will begin on her own Habitat home, with the partnership of 25 area churches and hundreds of volunteers stepping up beside her. Erica’s daughter, Alivia, will be three when the build starts. She will see love in action, just like her mother did years before. Perhaps Alivia will someday make her own trip to Africa, or Asia, or South America, to profoundly impact a life in ways she has yet to imagine; in ways the still, small voice has yet to whisper to her young ears.