Our first team of 2012 consisted entirely of one family who decided to do more than spend 2 weeks at an all inclusive resort. The Sipkens’ not only work together throughout the year in their family business, they also decided to vacation together but with a purpose: to partner with the Samaritan Foundation in building a house for a needy family. 
Their house…which was started by our local construction crew….was only 3 blocks high when the family arrived on the construction site the first day…but the young men replied…no problem dad, we can finish it in a week…right?
Laughter rang out at times as Ken & John shared stories of their youthful escapades while growing up together in the small town of Sarnia.
The first half of week 2…saw lots of rain. The bus couldn’t cross the river on 2 days, but thanks to Ermis’ pickup truck they were able to continue up the hill on their mission. Not to be outdone by their Haitain counterparts…the strong young men…and girls… gained a measure of respect for their diligence& commitment in getting the job done.
Their vacation of helping others also included time for ministry work. Grandma Sipkens’ and her friend Emmy, joined the family on most of their outreaches: feeding the kids, visiting a school, 
the public hospital and worshipping in the Esperanza church, 
but took time to rest and enjoy the sunshine at the resort while the rest of the family distributed food to a small Haitian community of Chichigua.
Thank you for donating your time and effort in changing the lives of another family when they received their new home. So when your friends ask you about your vacation………you can tell them it was a vacation like no other!!! 
Their house…which was started by our local construction crew….was only 3 blocks high when the family arrived on the construction site the first day…but the young men replied…no problem dad, we can finish it in a week…right?Laughter rang out at times as Ken & John shared stories of their youthful escapades while growing up together in the small town of Sarnia.The first half of week 2…saw lots of rain. The bus couldn’t cross the river on 2 days, but thanks to Ermis’ pickup truck they were able to continue up the hill on their mission. Not to be outdone by their Haitain counterparts…the strong young men…and girls… gained a measure of respect for their diligence& commitment in getting the job done.
Their vacation of helping others also included time for ministry work. Grandma Sipkens’ and her friend Emmy, joined the family on most of their outreaches: feeding the kids, visiting a school, the public hospital and worshipping in the Esperanza church, but took time to rest and enjoy the sunshine at the resort while the rest of the family distributed food to a small Haitian community of Chichigua.Thank you for donating your time and effort in changing the lives of another family when they received their new home. So when your friends ask you about your vacation………you can tell them it was a vacation like no other!!! 
