We received our assignement and its a reno vs. a new build. Hoping my HGTV experience will serve me well....certainly I know what to expect! The house is for the Araujo family who lost their rental home last year and have since been managing without a permanent place to live. This house was donated but as you will see, it is in need of serious construction to make it habitable for a family of four. Our local guide has told us that the family has always dreamt o...

This week I am booking my flight. I will be trying to arrive by May 28 so there is a day to wear off the time change....work on site begins May 29. We will all meet (for the first time) in Porto, Portugal which is a large city with many beautiful sights! Hoping to see that on my first day before we head out for the build. The build is in 'Braga', a smaller more rural area 50 km's north, 35 km inland from Porto. Population 136,000. At this point I have not yet h...

I have been wondering what I can do to fill a void.... What do I like to do? Walk and hug dogs, listen to music, travel, see and swoon over architecture, garden / work with my hands, see trees and sunshine, feel like I make a difference, have fun. None of these seemed to hold much opportunity for a new 'thing' to do. While chatting with my boss he mentioned a family member who had done trips to help build residences in poverty ridden areas of the world. Thank yo...