I have been blown away by the entries to this week’s iheartfaces photojournalism challenge. What an amazing theme with so many incredible captures!
We recently got a chance to be part of an amazing project. Originally called The Hans Project, it morphed into “Small House, Big God” as more and more people stepped forward to repay a man who had invested in their families.
Hans is the kind of person who makes a difference: working with disabled citizens during the day, mentoring youth all through the week – a Desert Storm medic, loving husband and involved dad to his two boys.
Unfortunately, his home couldn’t keep up. You could shower under a roof leak in the living room each time it rained (imagine… the Northwest!), and their real shower required pliers to turn on.
What touched me the most – during the course of a week while Hans was in San Francisco (taking a youth group to feed the homeless) - was the sheer number and diversity of people who just simply showed up.
Showed up to work alongside strangers who had also been helped by Hans. Showed up with smiles and laughter and cheerfully teamed up:
demolition, roofing, siding, sanding, painting, flooring, electrical, cabinetry, building, cleaning, planting…
It was a beautiful demonstration of each person finding a way to thank Hans for the gift of his time.
I wish I could show you a hundred pictures (yes, I took that many) – and settled on five showing the profound sense of family as people of all ages and races worked with gratitude.
Those teens you see? Yeah, Hans loves them and they love him.
If you can’t wait – stop by The Hans Project to meet Hans and to see the results!
Visit iheartfaces for some incredible pictures with incredible stories:
17 comments:
That's totally awesome. Love the pics, love the story. :))
Wonderful photo collage! God bless you!!
Beautiful words, pictures, story, and people! Reminds me of the World Changers (US) mission trips that Josiah has done. I always love those pictures. The kids are sweat soaked, filthy, hot, tired, working harder than they ever have in their lives, and grinning from ear to ear! I'm not sure it's possible to be happier than you are when you're serving others! Too bad more people don't figure that out!
I remember you talking about this - I'm so glad to see the pictures and am thrilled that the community that Hans helped had the opportunity to help him in return.
Ah, this made me cry. it is so nice to know there are still kind people in the world.
Beautiful!! How wonderful it is to know that there are so many out there that are still giving and so much kindness and care.
Great story so worth telling!
Lisa
Wow! That is amazing!
iHeart this post
What an amazing project for a remarkable man!!
Great pics too!!
thanks for stopping by my blog. yours is a great collage with a great story. nice work!
Wonderful pictures and wonderful story!
Reminds me of an Extreme Makeover Home remodel. You'll have to post pictures of the reveal so we can all see his reaction.
wow this is awesome! great pictures for a great story!
What a great project for everyone. It's good to see community coming together. You aren't secretly planning to take over for that Home Improvement show are you? ;-)
Oh Rachel, what an amazing thing you all got to take part in and the captures are phenomenal!
And thanks for spreading the word. XXOO
WOW!! This was INCREDIBLE! And I loved scrolling through all the pictures, it was like you were THERE!
OK, next project: Dana's Orphanage! :D LOL
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