Year 1, Volume 4: Lujan and Open Door: Dedication of the first two of the Luján Affiliate

4^th August, 2004Rain had been forecast three days earlier so it was with much trepidation that we made our final arrangements for the dedication of the house for the Silva Miranda family. However, the day dawned bright and clear and at 4.30 p.m. we met to dedicate our first Habitat house!

The National Directors of Habitat South America, together with neighbours, journalists, friends, representatives of the City Hall and others who in one way or another had supported this project, were present. They all had an Argentine ribbon and Habitat’s logo, given to them by members of the youth program of Luján, pinned on their chests.

The National Director, Ana Cutts, thanked everyone for their help and co-operation; Torre Nelson, Vice president of Habitat International for Latin America & Caribbean, presented the Bible, and the house was blessed by Pastor José Jiménez and Padre Luis Fornero. The moment when the ribbon was cut was a very touching one for Peter–Smidt Nielsen, CEO of Maersk, whose company financed the house and whose employees helped to build it.

house was to be dedicated to the Niz family. Each car displayed the Argentine flag as a symbol of unity. Here, José Colacilli thanked the donors and helpers, the Bible was presented by Rodolfo Ramírez, Habitat International Regional Director for South America, and the house was blessed by Pastor José Colacilli and Canon Charlie Halperin. The ribbon was cut by Patricia Caviezel, representing Lincoln School and by Pastor Betty Crowell of the UCC (United Community Church) and the Newcomers Club; who had made the building of the house possible.

After this ceremony a caravan of some 15 cars, headed by a bus with the Latin-American visitors set off for Open Door, where the second house was to be dedicated to the Niz family. Each car displayed the Argentine flag as a symbol of unity. Here, José Colacilli thanked the donors and helpers, the Bible was presented by Rodolfo Ramírez, Habitat International Regional Director for South America, and the house was blessed by Pastor José Colacilli and Canon Charlie Halperin. The ribbon was cut by Patricia Caviezel, representing Lincoln School and by Pastor Betty Crowell of the UCC (United Community Church) and the Newcomers Club; who had made the building of the house possible.

About 140 people then went to the Balcarce Room of the Luján Museum where we were served home-made empanadas, chorizos, hamburgers and locro. During the evening a video showed images of the houses being built. As a fitting ending to the day a “Peña”(a festival of folklore)took place. The cultural group of Luján charmed us with local dances and with the San Lorenzo March, performed in a dance with the flags of each of the visiting countries. The Tango was great! Many cameras captured unforgettable images. Music by the Folkloric Group “Los del Camino” (including members of Habitat Santa Fe) added to our enjoyment and the evening ended with a “Pájaro Campana” and much clapping!

Finally, after a perfect day, I was able to sit down and thank God who had made my own dream come true!

With Christ’s love,

Carmen Marotti de Escobedo

President- Board of Directors,

Luján Affiliate

If you would like to join us in rebuilding Lujan, one family at a time, please contact:

Celina Malvazo, Local Coordinator - Tel.: +54 (02323) 430160

Address: Belgrano 1250, B6700DMP - Luján, Prov. de BS

AS – Argentina - lujan@hpha.org.ar

Balloons were released, and there were tears, hugs and much jubilation. But perhaps the most touching moment was when Verónica Niz read a note from her mother Norma, saying how her dream had come true. Then, to everyone’s surprise Norma's mother appeared, having been brought from Entre Rios to experience this day with her daughter. To conclude we all enjoyed coffee with delicious cakes, many donated by the“Ladies of Open Door”