Tessa and children, Hunter and Sherissa [back]
The words “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…” echo through radio programs and mall microphones from Halloween to Christmas Eve every year. These words took on new meaning for Tessa and her children Sherissa and Hunter as their very own Habitat home was dedicated Dec. 6, 2009.
Even though minor details delayed their move-in for another couple of weeks, Tessa and her children rejoiced over all the possibilities of their new home. “Being here is my Christmas present,” Tessa said as she thanked the well-wishers who crammed into the house to celebrate its completion. Hunter couldn’t stand still as he bounced through the house, celebrating with the other children in attendance. “The bathroom is pretty,” he said, and then he proudly showed off what would be his very own room which he planned to help decorate. Sherissa couldn’t understand the delays and was anxious to have her friends come over.
“This is going to change me a whole lot,” Tessa said. “I always felt like I should put some ground under my feet and have my own space and stop relying on others.” The family had been living with her parents and saving money for a home. Having her own place will make it easier for both families, she explained, as her mother is undergoing chemotherapy.
“Please thank the Lutherans,” she added. Her house was constructed by a partnership between Habitat, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Lutheran churches of Washington County. Bob Budnicki, Thrivent representative and a coordinator of the project, said, “Anytime you can help someone, it’s phenomenal!” Tessa and her children definitely agree.
