“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives,” John F. Kennedy.
Gratitude is the word that encompasses and describes what I feel. After almost 13 years of work in Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua. Grateful to God, to the affiliates, donors, companies, volunteers, our collaborators, and to each one of the people who make it possible for this gear to work.
Our work is not like others, it is a privilege, a blessing from God because from Habitat we can not only practice our profession doing what we like, but we also change the lives, and stories of entire families. I can say without fear of being wrong, that the lives of thousands of Nicaraguans have a before and an after Habitat.
The child who cried in fear at night because he heard noises in the zinc walls – the mother who lived in anguish because her salary was not enough to have a concrete house, the family who dreamed of sleeping in a dry place, protected from the rain. The woman with respiratory problems due to the smoke generated by her traditional stove, the entrepreneur who dreamed of refurbishing her business, and the list goes on, there are thousands of stories, one more inspiring than the other.
I am infinitely grateful for that privilege, for every hug I received, for every brick, I managed to glue with my own hands (I had the honor of working as a volunteer almost 300 times, between 2 to 3 days a week), for every smile of the families. I don’t think there is any greater satisfaction than knowing that your work changed the life of an entire family forever. And of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless work of a dedicated and committed team, without the support of colleagues from other countries, and without the kindness of donors.
I write these lines from the bottom of my heart, as a farewell. I am closing a cycle in my working life, leaving what was my home for almost 13 years, an organization that marked my life and my heart. Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua is an exemplary organization that has given me the opportunity to learn and serve. An opportunity that has taught me so much, changed my life, and strengthened my faith more than I could ever imagine. I call this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I am very honored and grateful to be a part of. I leave with much gratitude and with the certainty that those who remain will know how to maneuver this ship to continue changing lives, weaving stories of overcoming because definitely: all people deserve a decent place to live. I bid you farewell, your friend of life.
Frank Matus-Aguirre
