New house feels like a ‘Christmas miracle’

In what felt like a “Christmas miracle” Matthew Verhoeven and Kaitlynn Sticha and their two children became the latest recipients of a house through Habitat for Humanity in New Prague. The four celebrated the moment during a dedication ceremony of their home along Wencel Avenue NE on Tuesday, Dec. 6, with more than 30 people that included family, friends and representatives of Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota and the city.

In talking about receiving the house, which is the sixth one in New Prague, Verhoeven agreed that it is like a gift. “It’s a wonderful one,” he said. “It feels like a Christmas miracle. I never thought we would have a chance to have such a beautiful home.”

The one level house has a garage and a combined kitchen, dining and family room, plus three bedrooms. Verhoeven said their children, son Nikolai and daughter Autumn, are excited to have rooms of their own. Nikolai is planning to have a dinosaur theme, while Autumn will have a theme based on the movie Frozen.

“We’re very excited,” said Sticha about her family moving in. She’s especially glad they are getting into the house in time for Nikolai’s birthday and will be able to celebrate it there. “Our son is looking forward to having his own room. He can’t wait.”

She said that it is a big step in owning their own home. She and Verhoeven have been taking an array of classes to help them with their home. Also, 400 “sweat equity” hours were completed in the construction of their home and the homes of others as a requirement of the Habitat Family Partnering Education Program. The family will purchase the home through a zero percent interest mortgage, in which monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat homes. “It’s been a great experience,” said Sticha, adding they have also been able to help others in building their homes.

Father Dave Barrett offered a blessing on those who worked on the home and the home owners. During the ceremony, the fire alarm sounded, but it was a false alarm. “We do know it will be a safe home,” said one person. Father Barrett offered a scripture reading from Matthew 7:24-29. He noted after the reading that the community is a rock built on the rock of Jesus.

In sharing stories about the house, people commented....

To see more on this story pick up the December 15, 2016 print edition of The New Prague Times.