Gratitude abounds after Global Builders trip to Peru
It is hardly unusual for Fuller Center Global Builders teams — or U.S. Builders teams for that matter — to return from work trips with many new friends, countless memories and stories of smiles and gratitude.
Such was the case for Opelika, Ala., resident Crystal Manoske, who recently led a Global Builders trip to work in The Fuller Center’s community in La Florida, Peru, co-hosts of the 2012 Millard Fuller Legacy Build. The team worked with two homeowner partner families and are now considered part of their extended family.
That bond is evident in letters Manoske received from the homeowners and allowed us to share.
From Geraldine:
Greetings from our family, my kids Felipe, Xiomara and my husband Gerardo in appreciation for you coming to help us build our humble home that we have wanted so much and now has become reality.
We appreciate you all and God who is going to bless your life for the good heart you have for others and I hope that one day you come back to visit us. It’s sad to say goodbye to you because we have made good friends and have shared words in love and friendship. We love you a lot and we are going to miss you. Goodbye until you return.
I’m sending you photos of my kids and I hope you keep them as if they were your own and send me some of the pictures you took. Thank you, lots of luck. We will miss you.
From Lizzy Fabiana Yaro Lopez:
Thank you for my little house. I love you a lot. I am writing these lines with my mom’s help and I’m sending you this photo for you to remember me. Thank you, bye.
From the Yaro Lopez family:
I hope that you read that these few lines are filled with appreciation. I wish you a lot of luck in your life and for your loved ones. I am writing simply to express my appreciation not only for helping us but also for fulfilling a dream of each family and achieving the biggest desire of my life to have a pretty home.
Thank you again for the help that each one of you gave us and now I say goodbye to you with a giant hug and much love. You are all part of my family. We will always carry you in our hearts, and I hope that you all never forget us and The Fuller Center family.
Manoske, though, says she was the thankful one — along with her entire team.
“What a blessing to share the work week with the people in La Florida, Peru,” she said. “The people there are so gracious, welcoming, loving, beautiful and appreciative and kept telling our group they want us to come back soon. Our team observed how easy the work flows when there is a common goal in mind and a foundation of Christ’s love.
“It was more like fun than work, and the team members remarked that the interactions with the Peruvians and the smiles on their faces made every sore muscle worthwhile. We truly enjoyed getting to know the homeowners and their children and even their animals. The Fuller Center and Palabra de Vida camp staff were top-notch, friendly and very accommodating to make sure we had a pleasant experience.”
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