"It's a dream come true. It's been a long time coming."
That's how Diane Muelken described her feelings about her family's new home, at 1513 Praha Street SE in New Prague. The home is the first to be constructed in New Prague under the Habitat for Humanity program.
To recognize the completion of the house, roughly 40 people gathered for a dedication ceremony at the home on Sunday, Dec. 17. The event was not only a dream come true for Muelken, but also for Sister Jean Juenemann, OSB, who helped get the Habitat for Humanity program started in New Prague and led the dedication ceremony.
Among those gathered at the ceremony that began in the garage of the home were those connected both locally and from the area with the program, members of Muelken's family, friends, volunteers who had helped build the structure and city officials.
Nearly one year ago Muelken and her three children were told they had been chosen as the first family in New Prague to benefit from Habitat for Humanity, a faith-based organization that works to provide families with their own homes.
By Diane Muelken's side at the ceremony were her daughter, Nicole, a senior at New Prague High School, and son Mitchell, a seventh grader at New Prague Middle School. Unable to attend was Muelken's son, Derek, a 2005 NPHS graduate who is studying criminal justice at Bemidji State University.
"Diane has put in 300 hours and more," said Sister Juenemann, referring to the time, or "sweat equity," that Muelken had to help with the building of the house.
She added that Muelken had put in the required time by the end of September. Muelken was even going to work by 5 a.m. so she could have time to stop by after work and help with the building. Family members also aided by completing a required 150 hours.
Sister Juenemann recognized those from Habitat for Humanity who worked on the project, including Jim Nelson, the Habitat construction manager for seven counties; David Michaelson, the site manager; Jason Witt of KA Witt Construction, Inc., who organized the skilled labor; Jane Hines, local organizer of the volunteer work; and area people who volunteered.
People at the dedication were asked to describe how they helped with the project. Responses included everything from doing some labor, to donating supplies or providing lunches. Those gathered were also invited to participate in a blessing of the house and Sister Juenemann presented the Muelken family with a Bible.
"I do want to say thank you to everyone who helped," said Muelken, adding that her thanks didn't seem to be enough.
People were invited to tour the two-story home, which Muelken and her family planned to move into today (Thursday) at the earliest.
"We had a real wonderful home owner to work with in Diane," said Michaelson. "She went beyond our expectations."
"It's great to see Diane reap the benefits of all her hard work. She deserves a nice place," said Witt.
"What was critical was all the donations we received," said Nelson about the project.
"All the love that was put into this house is going to be remembered for a long time," said Muelken.
