January 22
Today, our group had the opportunity to give back to Piracicaba by helping a family in need remodel
their home. We partnered with MUCAPP, a non-profit organization dedicated to “building houses and
reconstructing lives” for families in need. First, we were introduced to the people we were helping, a
family of seven who were living in dangerous conditions prior to MUCAPP’s intervention. The mother of
the family expressed to us that she couldn’t even find the words to tell us how much our service and
MUCAPP’s help meant to her. After introductions, we got to work! The group was tasked with painting
the exterior and interior of the house and clearing out any debris and dust. All supplies used in the
refurbishment today were paid in full by our AZP class, as well as the food we had for lunch. We split
up into small groups to divide and conquer different areas of the house to be more efficient. After about
four hours and a few paint fights, every room in the house was primed, painted, and ready. Nobody left
clean! Today was a great learning experience because most members of MUCAPP and the family we
were servicing did not speak English. Still, we overcame the language barrier by communicating with
hand signals and body language and even had a lot of fun playing with the kids of the family. It was a
great feeling to all be able to come together and accomplish such a big task in only a few hours. It
would have taken days for the family to have completed it themselves. The work we did today truly
made a difference in this family’s lives. They were so overcome with emotion by the end of the day and
it was clear that they will never forget us and what we did for them. In turn, we cannot forget their
kindness and gratitude for welcoming us into their home and allowing ourselves to be taught
humbleness, respect, and work ethic.
Rachel Hofacker