By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – publisher
Not long after Habitat for Humanity blessed its two newest houses Sunday, those houses certainly looked like homes - with friends and family gathered in the kitchen, sharing laughter and a meal.
The cake and punch receptions capped off a celebration of prayers and good wishes for two families whose houses were built mostly during a marathon building blitz in May.
Both homeowners thanked the volunteers for their hard work on the houses.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers from around the county and across the country pitched in over four days in early May to build the two houses. The houses, which mirror each other, each have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room and laundry room. Many furnishings and fixtures were donated by area businesses, including Badcock Furniture.
The building project actually began in Lynchburg, Va., where volunteers there worked with local residents in a snowy parking lot to frame the houses.
The frames were then transported to Brewton for the four-day blitz.
Lynchburg Habitat volunteer Tom Gerdy, the project's top cheerleader, has become something of a Habitat celebrity. He sent his good wishes to the Brewton blessing Sunday.
Each new homeowner received a Bible, a hammer and a household handbook.
The projects were the result of tremendous work - and friendship, Rush said.
Each homeowner invited a pastor to help bless her house.
In fact, inside the walls of each house are hand-written messages and prayers from all of the volunteers.
The Rev. Ed Glaize, Alecia's husband and pastor of First United Methodist Church, said he also had a personal stake in McFugerson's house.
&#8220If her side door doesn't open, it's my fault,” Glaize said. &#8220Lord, this is a gift she is receiving from the hands of many - ultimately from the hands of You.”
After the blessing, volunteers, friends and family had a chance to tour the houses and share in some celebration cake.