This past September 16, the culmination of our Week of Faith and Construction, was a special day for the whole Habitat family. It was a very big day, but not as grand as we had wished since the first group of four houses was not totally completed.

Yet, the celebration was a happy one with many elements � the representatives of two embassies, invited by D. Jorge Ortiga; a group of pastors giving force to the �ecumenism in action�; the thanks sung by Shane Clarck; the happiness manifested by the folkloric group of Braga teachers. There was a lot of joy in the day, especially reflected in the 12 families who can see their future homes almost ready for them.

However, two days before, in a conversation with John Yeatman (Director for Program enhancement in Europe), as we analyzed the special event of Portugal 2000, our optimism was not so great. After this point by point, analysis, we both concluded there were failures in every aspect, everything contained mistakes that must be corrected. For some moments, a wave of despair invaded us as we perceived that very little or nothing had been accomplished. Suddenly John looked me in the eyes, and challenged me to look at the complexities we had faced: �But look what we have done,. Look closely! Wasn�t it just on June 14 that we began these houses. See what has been done in just 3 months! Don�t you think it�s a miracle?�

It is indeed! Even with all the failures on our part, what now exists in a very advanced phase are 12 new houses, a very tangible miracle.

I wondered then how had God worked this �miracle� in front of our eyes. And I thought of the Christmas that is so near, and the message of the angels to the shepherds in Bethlehem, a message destined for �men of good will.� That�s it! It was through these people � men and women of good will � that the miracle happened. In silent reflection, I recalled the good will that, moments before, I had forgotten. People, more than 100 volunteers, had arrived from different countries and even our own neighbors, from the City Hall of Braga, from the village council and parish of Palmeira, Catholics, Protestants and those without creed, young and old � all of whose good will we only had to coordinate and direct. I remembered July 4 when we were invited by the US embassy to celebrate the Day of Independence and met a young Luso American couple. Knowing of our project, the young couple sent to their wedding guests a clear indication that any gift should be a check made out to �Associa��o Humanit�ria Habitat.�

To be a witness to such manifestations of love is the biggest gratification for anyone leading a young organization such as ours aspires to be.

These are the people of good will. These are the people of miracles. These are agents � and how many there are � that constitute the hand of God to work this miracle.

Do you think they realize this?