The first Habitat Build on house #8 is history, and most of the Care-A-Vanners headed home Saturday. It is time for an article to thank the community for the support we have enjoyed while in your town.

18 Care-A-Vanners (20 for the first week) in Mason for three weeks ending Friday 19 March.

Homes in Indiana, Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Louisiana, New York and Texas.

Teachers, nurses, engineers, managers, a pilot, a doctor, a secretary, etc.

No one who worked directly in the construction trades before retirement.

Most have worked in Mason before, and many plan winter travel around being here for the build. We have worked on houses 5,6,7 and now #8.

Camped together in Ft. Mason City Park.

Jimie Menchaca worked with us on her day off work at the store. She is a going to be a great Habitat homeowner as she and her daughter really do understand the reality of "sweat equity," putting in a full day's work, and the responsibility of being a homeowner with a mortage —"Habitat is not a hand out but a hand up."

Care-A-Vanners Phase 1 (three weeks in March) progressed from slab to enclosed and ready for spray foam insulation and dry wall installation.

Hiatus of two weeks for local contractors to do foam and dry wall.

Care-A-Vanners Phase 2 (three weeks) in April to complete project. Expect 15 Care-A-Vanners—including 8 carrying over from phase 1.

Habitat is a Christian ministry, and each day’s work begins with a prayer circle. I have attached a prayer Care-A-Vanners Frank & Jan Woythal offered as we began our last day of work here.

Groups we’d like to thank by name for meals and hospitality:

City of Mason

First United Methodist Church

River of Life Church

Church of Christ

St. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Hilda Methodist Church Ladies

Charlie Reichenau and the Short Stop

Edna Earl Benton

Art United Methodist Church Ladies

Fran Hoerster

Jane and Bruce Fowler

Mary Kay Draper and friends

Mason High School Home Economics Class and teacher Jennifer Brinlee

Carlene Brollier, who coordinated all the volunteers to serve us lunch.

Litany Of Thanks

Provided by Frank Woythal

Let us give thanks to God, who has richly blessed us during our time together.

For the Mason County Habitat For Humanity Board who made us feel so welcome.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR THEIR FUTURE GOOD WORK.

For all meals and snacks provided by groups in the community, and for our accommodations in the Fairgrounds.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR YOUR LIGHT IN THEIR LIVES.

For Keith, Sue, Rene, Curtis and others in this community.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR THEIR FUTURE SERVICE AND LOVE

For our partnership with Habitat For Humanity and for our partnership with the family who will move into this home.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON THEM.

For the on-site help and the wonderful patience, management and talent that allowed us to feel a sense of accomplishment while in Mason.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON THEM.

For our safe travel here and for our safe journey ahead, where we know you will always be with us whether the road of life is bumpy or smooth.

WE THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR PRESENCE DAY BY DAY.

For our new skills and new friendships, for our old skills and renewed friendships and for the treasured fellowship shared with each other.

WE THANK YOU LORD AND PRAY FOR EACH OTHER AS WE PART.

In the name of Jesus, who is the Christ, the Master Carpenter and Lord of our lives.

WE THANK YOU LORD. AMEN.