Help build a Ramp to Independence

Events in my life have drawn me to community and to outreach.

In the past my outreach has been to the children of the world; literally all around the world, from families in Mexico, to orphans in Bali and a family in the Philippines.  Recently I have been called to bring my focus closer to home. As a result I chose to sign Carlisle Classic Homes up to help build a ramp for someone in need. I then received the application letter from the Master Builders Association. Before I could finish the letter I was crying. Yes, grown men, men in construction, men that drive big trucks, do cry. A friend of this family had sent in a letter, a letter that, as I read it I was touched by how their situation could so easily be mine. Their beautiful daughter was born with a brain disorder which left her with Cerebral Palsy and in turn very limited movement and non verbal communication among other things. 

Further as I read, this child's father is a carpenter by trade and has been determined to make a better home for his family.  In doing so he has worked tirelessly on his house in his spare time.

Unfortunate tragedy struck (WHEN?) he fell of the roof landed on a dumpster. That night with the house opened up (as the roof wasn't done or covered) it rained and rained causing additional extensive water damage to his home as this father has worked to support his family and take care of his wife, his son and his daughter with special needs he hasn't much time to work on their home.

As I read this story I was struck by the thought: here's A family deserving of a ramp, a family deserving so much more. As I neared the end of the letter I caught the name of the family and realized I knew this man. I had gotten coffee with him less than a year ago and I had no idea the extent of his situation. He had not asked for my help, he had not asked for this ramp but he had asked for my friendship. I'm a believer that all paths cross for a reason, and when they have come to cross on multiple occasions, it means the reason is that much greater. Giving me certainty that this was a ramp I was supposed to build; Certainty that I was called to do more. So, I am asking for your help to do more.

We will be building a ramp for Sarah to have more independence and be able to get into her own home without being physically carried. First, I would like to offer you the ability to work alongside us in building this ramp on Saturday the 12th in Wallingford. If you are interested please email me and we can go over details. Second, we have some materials being donated and are paying out of pocket for the rest. If you can give please do. I will personally match your gift up to the $3200 goal. This would be $6,400 to cover the materials with a large portion of that going towards helping to finish their house. Allowing them to live in more than just the four rooms they currently live in (kitchen, living room and two bedrooms).

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. As someone who has been truly supported by my community at a time when my mother and father were not in a position to do so I learned the value and impact that helping and  giving can have on each member of a family and on their entire community. What I mean is that we may just be building a ramp but what we are really building is a lasting impression of how a community supports one another.

Blessings on you and yours,

Rob.