A Shared Purpose: The Guillen Home Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuA79N3ZMq8

The Guillens are the most incredible family. This is their story y’all. Raw and real. Life isn’t all of the happy social media posts. This is a hard one. They are sharing their story to help spread awareness for others. One that they are trusting their beloved community with. This is a family that shows up for anyone in need and is always the first to volunteer.

Life has looked a little different than what they envisioned. God had a different plan. Their littlest was born with three genetic disorders eight years ago. Carter is the most precious and brilliant little guy!!! His challenges are very real and will last a lifetime. Medical costs are astronomical in these situations. Mom and Dad have the land and were set to build their dream home prior to Carter’s birth. That obviously got put on hold when they learned of the diagnoses that were to come. Within six months, their savings was completely drained due to 68 days in NICU and multiple surgeries. The mountain of medical debt has continued to increase. They have been renting, but that is about to change due to unforeseen circumstances. The most affordable option seemed to be to purchase a camper and live in it for a few years until they could pay off enough debt to build a forever home conducive for Carter as he ages. This may seem silly to some, but purchasing a home that must be remodeled will cost more in the long run, and affordable rentals are unavailable in their hometown. The cost of homes and interest rates are not within their means at the moment either. God planted seeds and has had a very different plan.

Many things come with having a child with a disability. The Guillens make weekly runs to Amarillo for therapy, frequent visits to OKC for specialists, and sometimes, hospital stays when seizures cannot be controlled. Life flights, changing diapers roadside because there isn’t a convenient store to accommodate an eight-year-old— so many things. Medications and leg braces are ridiculous. A reliable vehicle is a must. Equipment that does not break down must be able to fit— again, many things.

This is a family that shows up! Pam literally volunteers for EVERYTHING. She is the first person to show up when there is a need. She LOVES her community with every ounce of her soul. She works full-time at our local hospital (which includes being on-call) and has a side gig to help make ends meet (while having three kids and Carter’s appts.) Her husband works full-time and is a very active volunteer firefighter. I honestly do not know how they do it.

I do believe God is moving. I feel it in my soul. Like, have the chills feel it! Many have come together to facilitate building a home that not only meets their needs, but with their considerations in mind (such as a very open floor plan so Carter is always within sight, a huge front porch that is safe for him to be outside and watch cars go by... this is one of his favorite things to do; a beautiful kitchen that Pam can do the thing she loves to do!!) The goal would be to make this happen at no cost to the family. This home will be designed with Carter’s current needs and needs as an adult in mind. The land is paid for, zoned, and insurance is not an issue. We are raising the funds to BUILD THIS FOREVER HOME!!!

The vision does not stop here. We are working diligently to start a foundation that will leave a legacy to continue this journey for others in the future. The immediate need is the Guillen family.

Thank you for your consideration to donate and your heart!