Language barriers and hot and humid temperatures couldn’t stop two Lawrence men and volunteers from around the world from building homes for the needy in Thailand last week.
“We all have a common purpose, and we all get along just great,” said Mark Brooks, 64, a carpenter and construction manager for Lawrence Habitat for Humanity.
Brooks and Ken Ratzlaff were both crew leaders who helped construct houses in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as part of Habitat’s annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
It’s an intensive weeklong building project in different cities around the world each year. This year’s build involved 3,000 volunteers and took place in five Asian countries last week.
The 100-degree heat was a factor in Thailand, Brooks said, as he led a crew of about 16 volunteers per day working to lay concrete walks and a roof on a house.
“It’s about the same as one of our hot June days when everybody staggers around,” Brooks said in a phone interview on Thursday.
But they survived, he said. Another obstacle was communication. Interpreters were on site, and many South Korean volunteers, including actor Lee Seo-Jin, offered helping hands to the work. Their common purpose united them, Brooks said.
He and Ratzlaff are scheduled to return to Lawrence to their families before Thanksgiving.
“The whole project has been about the people we met here,” Brooks said.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Keith (anonymous) says…
Do a little research before spouting off, Habitat has built many houses in Lawrence, and elsewhere in the US. Or are you attempting sarcasm?
redmoonrising (anonymous) says…
And you have built how many homes for needy Americans, Marion? People in need are people in need. You always have to add the political spin to anything anyone does. Maybe some of them just do the things they do because they are kind people who help people for no reason other than that they want to. Does being so negative about everything make you a happy person?
ckennedy (christy kennedy) says…
Uh yeah, duh . . . freely giving one's time, energy and skills and building homes and other things here and abroad deserves nothing but our humble thanks and praise. Your comment says a lot about you, Marion, and nothing about the people or the article.
Takefive (anonymous) says…
Mark Brooks has built homes for poor people in Lawrence for years. He's as good a guy as there is. If he got to go to Thailand to build homes there, then good for him.
funkdog1 (anonymous) says…
Mark Brooks has built PLENTY of homes for the underprivileged in the U.S.
rdave (anonymous) says…
Marion Lynn says: "I believe that Americans should take care of Americans first."
Marion: why don't you lead by example and sponsor a Lawrence Habitat for Humanity home for a needy American family. Their phone number is 785-832-0777 and I assure you Habitat and a local family would be thrilled to receive the benefits of your financial supported convictions.
MaryKatesPillStash (anonymous) says…
Excellent work, Mr. Brooks!
Marion, rather than just taking a vacation abroad, some people enjoy providing service while they are experiencing a different culture. What's wrong with that?
gambillpride (anonymous) says…
Marion, your so not a kind human.
Takefive (anonymous) says…
Let's not be so hard on Marion either. It's a big world, and it's easy not to know what you are talking about.
Jo_Jo (anonymous) says…
You should be ashamed of yourself, Marion. Do you feel the same way about about doctors, church members, etc. who go on mission trips? What about individuals in the Peace Corps, or even those in the armed forces overseas? What have you done for the community or the country lately other than sit at home and make negative remarks about everyone else? Get back out there and start living again, buddy - it will make your life a lot more enjoyable.
RETICENT_IRREVERENT (Ronaldo Ignacio) says…
I am sure Mr. Brooks is enjoying this trip to Southeast Asia much more than his first trip half a lifetime ago.
Mr. Brooks is a fine individual, and does a wonderful job.
Katara (anonymous) says…
Well, gosh, it's no big surprise that the resident xenophobe has issue with helping people that are not just like him.
"Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
I have some interest in preservation of what might be called the “White culture”."
http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/at-ra...
jenniflip (anonymous) says…
I have seen Mark Brooks spend 100 degree days helping folks in Douglas County. I have seen him spend 20 degree days helping folks in Douglas County. Ken Ratzlaff donates countless hours to helping the needy in this community as well. They don't talk the talk like some. They walk the walk. My family is eternally grateful to these two men. Habitat for Humanity would love your support.
klratzlaff (anonymous) says…
These are some reasonable questions. In fact the cost of the trip could have built even more homes here in Thailand if we just sent the money. But the value of demonstrating a volunteer model on a large scale and, even more, of personal interactions with the people of Thailand and Korea is priceless. Those people who donated funds to support Mark were contributing BOTH to homes built with God's people in need AND to world cooperation on a local level; they also donated to thank Mark for all he has done for Lawrence Habitat. For me, this is how I choose to spend some vacation time (and BTW, I have worked on well over 50 Lawrence homes). But in the end, Marion's question is work thinking about. Also, it was good of you folks to give Mark that support!
rdave (anonymous) says…
klratzlaff: To be clear, the support was for the work of Habitat, not any individual. Many, some even connected with Habitat, forget that at times. Marion did a good job of baiting everyone and help bring attn to a worthwhile organization.
HootyWho (anonymous) says…
Hey Marion,
i was approved for a habitat home in 2008
put your money where your mouth is,,,donate money,
i might even let ya volunteer your time
and you couldn't find a better man than Mark Brooks
wolflover1969 (anonymous) says…
Mark Brooks is an awesome guy!!!
Habitat for Humanity has built 70 homes in Douglas County and there are 3 more under construction.
Mark would love to see your Hard working Smiling faces on any Saturday to work on these homes. Or you can stop by the office and give a hand with paperwork, answering phone, or just leave a monetary donation to begin building another home.
rdave (anonymous) says…
wolflover1969 is on target...how 'bout it Marion, will it be a monetarty donation or a donation of your time to help Americans like HootyWho ?
cletus26 (anonymous) says…
hooray hooray!!!!! the folks here hardly appreciate the homes. and don't rent one out to some of these jokers; they tear it up and act like you are to blame. and some of these folks ......i'm gonna stop right there