20 years ago this month a young family moved into the Ozarks with very little. A small piece of land was purchased just east of Hartville where they lived several months in a slide-in camper on the back of their pickup. They proceeded to build a shop building where he was planning to open a diesel mechanic repair shop. One third of it was sectioned off and with a loft on each side they proceeded to turn that section into living quarters for the family of six. Eventually a house was planned but with no money and a desire to remain debt free the family did not see this dream fulfilled.
The family grew, the children married or went into the military, and the couple was left still living in the shop. As the years went by they tried to set aside a little money to begin building. Finally the day came when they dug the basement with his old John Deere. It took a while due to our wonderful Missouri rocks! But it was finally completed and they scheduled the concrete to be poured. They did most of the work themselves with the help of a few friends. Soon the sub flooring was installed on the basement roof. There it sat, until a little more money was saved up. Lumber was gathered as funds allowed as well as a few other parts and pieces needed.
Then they got the call that they would be getting help! A group from Big Sandy Texas, the ALERT academy, would be coming! This group of men has helped in many areas and in many tasks all across America. They help storm torn areas, their water unit assists in water rescue and recovery, law enforcement has called on them for assistance, and many other such tasks.
When the couple found out that this group was coming they spent all they had saved up to have supplies available for the men to work. With no extra money set aside things would be a bit tight but then, through divine intervention, funds were provided in a way they didn't expect. The group of ALERT men are there now, working on the house project. Hopefully in the very near future this couple will be able to welcome their many grandchildren into this new home. What an exciting prospect for this family that has waited so long to have a home of their own!

Fast Facts:
The ALERT men will be there through the end of this week, 3/28/09
- The family moved to Missouri in March 1989.
- They have four children, the oldest is married with three children, the second is widowed, the third is married with three children and the youngest joined the Air Force, then the Army and has served his country in several over seas tours. He is currently stationed in the USA.
- The family lived in one third of the mechanic shop.
- A home is being built as funds are saved, this home will be debt free.
- Much of the work is being done by the family and with assistance by friends.
- The repair shop is well known by many.