Recently I read an article about the "Little Houses on the Prairie." Perhaps you, too, have read about the 1,400 people who came to a small Native American reservation here in South Dakota, to build thirty homes in five days. This happened in mid-July of last year and at that time, on those prairies, the wind was warm. These volunteer workers for Habitat for Humanity came from all walks of life. At one time, there were three PhDs on the roof of a house nailing on shingles. To build thirty homes in one week became a most ambitious project. It became known as "Jimmy Carter's Work Project." It was named after Habitat's best known volunteer. Alongside was former First Lady Rosalynn Carter working with her husband. There they were for the week, dressed for the work project. The people called the former president, "Wawikia Lakota - for one who cares about people."

You perhaps have heard about many completed projects by Habitat for Humanity. If you have a hammer and want to find out about more, call 1-800-Habitat. This article that I read about building new houses on the prairie was of great interest to me. Over a fortnight in December of last year, I volunteered to clean houses and apartments in an area in Ohio. It became a real mission of love when I saw the completed projects before returning to my own little home on the prairie and enjoying that cup of Christmas tea. At one time in the past, the streets in that area now had many a home-sweet-home, where the smells of baking bread and the sounds of music and lullabies and laughter were a daily activity. These houses have character and beautiful architecture and the houses and the people had something in common - caring for their families and celebrating family togetherness. After reading the article on those new houses on the prairie and reflecting on my experiences in that area at Christmas time, I had many warm thoughts. Whether it is houses on the prairie, or apartments in a city, they do have something in common - homes where there can be the warmth of love and real caring and compassion. May the Spirit of Christmas forever be in their hearts and homes.

Warm Thoughts: Amid pleasure and palaces, be it ever so humble, there is no place like home. Stephen Foster. May you have many warm thoughts on home.

Warm Thoughts from Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G Werner

Published in the Marion Record January 19th, 1995.

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Till next time,

Trina