By Lorrie Beck/Lorrie is a Wichita Habitat for Humanity Volunteer serving on the annual Carter Work Project in Nashville, Tenn.
Can you say, “Rain & mud?” Wow … what a great day in Nashville! The day began with a devotion from President Jimmy Carter, an appearance by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, followed by a “Thank You” greeting by the future homeowner of House #3, Eno. Turns out, I was assigned to house # 3, so it was a delight to work with Eno all day. She’s a single mother of two children. She’s excited to purchase her own Habitat for Humanity house by Valentine’s Day 2020. Such a gift of LOVE!
Despite the rain and mud, we made great progress with all exterior AND interior walls set, and much of the top plate in place. Next up: The joy of trusses 😀
Each day we are escorted off the Build Site by a local high school band. On Monday, the Stratford High School Band led the way. Stratford High is a STEM school. It’s a very festive way to end the day!
According to Habitat for Humanity, the former president and first lady will work alongside hundreds of volunteers and help construct 21 new homes throughout the week. The Carters were warmly welcomed to Nashville by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, who are building at the Carter Work Project for their 12th year. They first volunteered together with Habitat in 2007 in New Orleans to help build post-Katrina Habitat homes on the Gulf Coast, and since then, have lent their names and support to numerous Habitat events and projects. Since beginning their work with Habitat for Humanity in 1984, just years after leaving the White House, President and Mrs. Carter have helped to build, renovate and repair 4,331 homes in 14 countries alongside more than 103,000 volunteers.
