One of the things that Matt encouraged the group with was our attitude while building these houses in OKC. When things weren't going very well with the construction, I found it easy to think, "well it's not going to be my house". There were times where I couldn't hammer in nails straight, or the frame hadn't been assembled flush, or I was assigned to just move garbage. Yet Matt encouraged us to keep in mind for whom we were building these houses for. That is, ultimately we were in Oklahoma to serve others, and to serve God. That idea stuck in my head the rest of the week. Anytime I was frustrated by some work, I was reminded that it is for Christ that I am doing what I am doing. I think that what Matt said also resonated with the rest of the group because I saw Christ on display in others all week. These guys and girls were more than willing to serve others, at the expense of their time and energy:

The girls had to be dragged away from painting on the last day so that we could all leave. They were so keen on finishing that they didn't want to go.

Joe willingly spent most of the day picking up trash so that someone else didn't have to.

Jon bought breakfast foods and woke up an hour before everyone else to cook for everyone so that we would have more than just cold cereal to eat.

Ben took a lot of time removing nails in order to repair a lot of frame studs that weren't straight. Even on frames that he didn't work on. Removing nails that are completely nailed in is a pain.

Daniel effectively led us in worship on guitar each evening.

Katie came to Wal-Mart with me late one night to pick up breakfast for the next morning, even though she was already ready for bed.

Alison and Maria spent most of one day sawing out the bottom of the door frames by themselves while everyone else worked on other stuff.

A couple of the girls would start making PB&J sandwiches for everyone come lunchtime.


There are many other examples, but it would take way too long to list them all.