The following is more background information from meeting the Greenwoods. We got back real late last night and didn’t have the time to write a post thoughtfully. With input from team members (especially from Pam and Lorin), here is a more in-depth view of yesterday. Please join us in our continued prayers for this loving family.
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“ Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” Matthew 9:38
Sweat equity, some labor exchanged, is a requirement for Habitat for Humanity grant recipients. Not only does putting one’s mark in the work provide a sense of pride in homeownership, but also allows for connections to be made. That’s how the OKC team came to know Robert and Joyce Greenwood, along with their very big family.
Robert and Joyce Greenwood are of the Chickasaw and Ponca tribe, respectively, and have been married for almost 50 years. They met in the late 60s at a local church gathering. Today they have three grown children and beautiful grandchildren whom they graciously help raise, feed, shelter and love.
“Robert also served in the Vietnam War in which he received a purple heart (note: the Vietnam War ended 42 years ago today…thank you, Robert, for serving our country)!”- Pam
Through the determination of their eldest daughter, Gracie, they were able to apply with Habitat for Humanity to convert their garage-bedroom into a real livable space. With the help of our 2016 OKC team, two new walls were raised, insulation was installed, and an attic access-stairway was added among other upgrades. Now, the Greenwoods’ youngest daughter and her five sons can live in that space without enduring drafty winds and other safety hazards.
“ At that time, there was a total of 8 family members living in a 3 bedroom/1 bath house. After we left, there were 13 family members living there.”- Pam.
Many of that OKC 2016 team returned this year and we stopped by to visit. Joyce immediately welcomed us graciously into her home. We were joyous to find out that their youngest daughter had just moved into her very own home with her sons just the week prior. Now the renovated room is empty, but bursting with new opportunities for the Greenwoods to make home feel more like home.
After a quick group picture, with their youngest granddaughter running out of the room in fear of ‘being in the photo’, we took the Greenwoods to Legacy Grill (interesting fact: the grill was originally owned by Kevin Durant prior to his departure from the OKC Thunder). There, we learned more about the Greenwoods’ deep commitment to their family, spiritual faith, community, and marriage.
“I could see the joy of “making merry” in the reuniting of relationship with the Greenwoods, as well as the bonding of this year’s relief team. ”- Pam
Back at the Greenwood household, we prayed for Christ to continue watching over them, for health, and for safety. In turn, the Greenwoods also gave us a blessing with heartfelt thankfulness wrought with deep emotion. The Spirit of God was surely in the room and some of us had to hold back tears during prayer.
“Ms. Joyce … remind[ed] me that when the Father has us perform a work, it always produces fruit that keeps producing more fruit. Jesus’ description of the Kingdom being like a mustard seed comes to mind, reminding me that any work or conversion we allow God to use us in can have wonderful outcomes.”- Paul Waters
One can calculate the days and time spent with the Greenwood family on one hand. However, in those short moments, a bridge was built and a friendship was strengthened; most importantly of all, a seed was planted according to the will of God.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:8-9
