Community Christian Church

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Teachers' Efforts To Improve Lives Changes Their Own

Publsihed Dec 27, 2004 - The Naperville Sun

By: Britt Carlson, Staff Writer

Even though three teachers from Patterson Elementary School are headed to Mexico this week, they aren't headed for the hotels or sandy beaches. Instead they will spend the next 10 days without running water or electricity and sleeping in tents. Beth Hauser, Lori Consolazio and Karlene O'Brien are headed to a small village outside Tijuana along with about 30 others to build two homes for disadvantaged families. "This is my fifth trip," said Hauser, who teaches fifth grade at Patterson. She became involved with the Habitat for Humanity-type program through her church, Community Christian Church in Naperville.

After talking to her co-workers about her experiences, Consolazio and O'Brien, a teacher's aide, decided to tag along. This will be Consolazio's second trip to build homes in Mexico. "The first time was amazing and wonderful," said Consolazio, who teaches kindergarten at Patterson Elementary School. "It was truly life-changing." Residents of the villages in Mexico can apply to have a house built and area pastors make a decision based on need. Although the homes are small, they are a big improvement from what some families are currently living in, said Hauser.

"A lot of families are trying to relocate after their homes were swept away by floods," Hauser said. "They have made due by making shelter out of anything they could find, cardboard, or a tarp for a roof." The new homes have two rooms, a concrete slab floor, two windows, a tarred roof and doors that lock. "It is much more sturdy and secure," she said. Anyone can participate in the trips even if they have no prior experience, Hauser said. "Even if you have never swung a hammer or don't speak Spanish, you can help," she said. The group is usually divided into two teams with a balanced mix of construction experience. Each person is responsible for fund raising a certain amount of money to help cover their transportation costs and materials for the house. The new owners of the homes are also eager to chip in and help out, whether it be in the building process or by cooking meals for the group. "This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and finally found the means," Consolazio said. "This is extremely rewarding to be able to give these families a home and they are so appreciative."

The teachers have talked about their experiences in the classroom and encouraged their students to do a selfless act this holiday season."The coolest part is being able to share our experience with our students," Hauser said. "They just don't have any idea what it is like. When they think of Mexico, they think of Cancun."