January, 2019 Newsletter
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Day of Service
A Stone of Hope
 
Earlier this year I had opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. and see the MLK Memorial for the first time. As I approached this historic site at 1964 Independence Avenue, sandwiched between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, I stood in awe of its historical significance and Dr. King’s lasting impact.
 
Giant boulders seem to have been split and what appears to be a work in progress of Dr. King walking out of the stone juts forward. The memorial is surrounded by many of his famous quotes but etched in the memorial itself on reads , “Out of this mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Social justice is a work in progress and we each must do our part: the time is always right to do what is right .
 
I spent a lot of time that winter afternoon walking around the monument, reflecting on those particular words and the impact of a single life. Before leaving the site, I took a few photos. One photo I share with you because its impression overpowers me to this day. My tiny shadow reflects upon the monument and reminds me that no matter how small and insignificant I may feel, my life carries consequence and I too
Detail of MLK Memorial, Washington, DC
Detail of MLK Memorial, my shadow projected on the stone, Washington, DC
 can shine light on injustices and move the mountain just a little by speaking up and doing something. I choose to challenge the status quo and be a voice for people often time overlooked and ignored. Jesus called them the least of these, and I work hard every day to assure every person has a chance at a decent life.
 
As 2018 winds down and we look forward to what 2019 holds, resolve to move mountains. We may feel like the boulders are heavy and we can do little, but what you choose to do and say makes a difference. When we each do our part, we are mighty! Dr. King said it best, “ This is our hope. This is the faith with which we live each day. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of this mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
 
I recognize that a world where everyone has a decent place to live is a tall order, but I choose to do what is right. Won’t you join me? Even though we may never see the finished product, we serve because of our faith, taking that first step, even when we don’t see the whole staircase. Step out on faith and glance up at the stone of hope that juts out from mountain!

 
Brenda Shuttlesworth
Executive Director


Legislation signed in 1983 marked the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a federal holiday. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a "day on, not a day off." MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

Waco Habitat offers daily opportunities for individual "days of service." Habitat homeowners work side-by-side with Habitat staff and volunteers from the community to construct homes and clean up neighborhoods. Volunteers at the Waco Habitat ReStore provided much-needed work in receiving and organizing donated goods and materials. Individuals and groups can sign up for volunteer assignments at: Waco Habitat Volunteer
On the Calendar -- Upcoming Events
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21 (Monday)


Watch for the Spring Half-Off Sale
at ReStore.
Date and time to be announced.

Watch for announcement of Framing Day for Habitat Home #175, at 1305 N. 10th Street, Homeowner partner is Francine Aguilar.



ReSt ART - - A Fine Art Exhibit
( and Texas Big Art Day Event)
Works exhibited will be made using products purchased from the ReStore. Deadline to submit art is March 2, 2019 (Friday).

Exhibit Opens March 7, 2019 (Tuesday)
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Opening is at Cultivate 7Twelve,
712 Austin, Waco

Art will be available for purchase at the ReStore March 8 - March 31
Mission Moment
Derek Price
New Construction Team Leader

Derek joined Waco Habitat for Humanity in July, 2018, just in time to take over construction supervision on home #174, working with the Zuniga family. He came to Habitat for a chance to use his considerable skills and experience to help others. He is responsible for building, and for supervising construction on Habitat homes, from start to finish. A builder-supervisor, Derek directs the work of contractors, volunteers, and other staff as the home grows from nothin on a vacant lot to a finished residence.

In Derek 's words: "My mission is to complete as many homes as possible, to the best level of quality feasible. I want to raise people’s expectations about Habitat homes, to ensure good quality construction, and to build for the long haul. We do a lot of custom work, making custom homes that are still affordable. Examples of custom touches include cabinet work, trim, shutters and other little details throughout the home that make it unique."
Derek Price, New Construction Team Leader
"I want our homes to stand out, responding to specific needs of each homeowner family. My mission is to get families not only into “a home,” but into “their home,” a unique, custom experience that will last. Seeing homeowners’ dreams come true is a dream in itself for me. It’s an emotional thing to see the family at dedication. It’s a good deal, making all the work worth it."
Waco Habitat for Humanity
Administrative Office -- 220 N. 11th St., Waco, TX 76701 Phone: 254-756-7575
ReStore -- 1224 Franklin, Waco, TX Phone 254-756-0131