The story of one Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County family is one of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity. The couple, originally from South Sudan, met in Egypt and dreamed of raising a family in the United States. After marrying in India, they raised their two oldest daughters and waited for an opportunity to move to the US. Finally, the husband was given the chance to fulfill their dream, but had to make the journey alone, temporarily leaving his wife and their daughters behind. The family was eventually reunited in Davidson County three years later, where the husband helped a friend build a Habitat for Humanity Home and was encouraged to apply for his own family.
However, their dream of owning their own home was put on hold when their third daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. The father became a full-time caregiver and had to leave his job to support his family. They eventually had to move to Gallatin due to mounting medical bills and increasing rent in Davidson County. After their daughter was found to be in remission, the family focused on helping their youngest son who was diagnosed with autism.
Despite their challenges, the family remained steadfast in their faith and resilience. The wife worked as an essential frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic and contracted the virus, but she was grateful to return to full health and that their unborn baby was healthy too.
Ten years after the family was reunited in Tennessee, they broke ground in the fall on their home, a 5 bedroom 2.5 bath in Gallatin. The home was finished the following spring. The family had completed over 600 hours of sweat equity, paid off their medical debt, and saved for a down payment on the home with the help of the Habitat for Humanity Downpayment Assistance program. The home has brought a sense of stability and security to the family, and they are grateful for the support of our community and in helping them achieve their dream of homeownership.
The family's positive mindset and unwavering faith have helped them overcome numerous trials and tribulations, and they continue to persevere and strive for a better future.