Love From Maria

This video stirs up all of my pride for my little sister - who never tires of caring for others, never assumes she knows what it is like to be in someone else's shoes and leads with her heart. We need more nurses like you, Kate. I love you. Don't ever let that empathy or compassion escape you - it is the gift that sets you apart. I hope you know the depth of gratitude that people feel toward you. I don't know very many people who hold the hands of the dying, wash and cut the hair of the confused, manicure the hands of elderly patients and laugh with anyone who is willing to.  ​ ​ S M L I think this video speaks for itself - a little empathy goes a long way. I hope for a world where we all lead with our hearts, pause before passing judgement and put effort into understanding one another. I hope for a world with a while lot more Kates. - lovefrommaria 

​ ​ S M L Writing this is tough - I've struggled to figure out the best way to say it. Today was an incredible day and I'm filled with emotion after giving all of my energy and love to a deserving family's future house. When our team finished the landscaping we went for a tour of the house. I was overwhelmed walking through the house just thinking of how this was going to feel for the future owners. Their kids running excitedly up the stairs to their new, very own bedrooms. The parent(s) breathing a sign of relief, of safety and security. Knowing that I had the smallest part in making this dream come true for a family is enough to keep me going for an incredibly long time. I learned today that Habitat for Humanity houses are about 20% volunteer built. That every year there are 60,000 volunteer hours spent building homes. Homes that will be purchased with no down payment and a no-interest mortgage. Without even knowing the homeowners there are all of these human

​ ​ S M L In two days I will take part in my first ever house building experience. I am helping to build a home in our very own city with Habitat for Humanity.  Last fall I witnessed a close friend celebrate her birthday by showering her favourite charities with home-baked goodness. This inspired me - how could I also celebrate the day I entered this world by giving back? By making this world a better place? As I like to do, I left the questions to marinate in my brain and one afternoon while posting something to Facebook a post from Habitat for Humanity popped up on my News Feed. Women's Build. In less than ten minutes I was signed up as a fundraiser . Helping to build something, in particular a house, has been something that I have wanted to do since I was a little girl. I can remember hearing stories at church of people who had gone away and helped build homes - this was something I knew I wanted to do. "Finding the right time" has always been the challenge.