Finally home

• Youth Force hands over keys of remodeled house to Spiva family

Monique Headley

Like the instant after the top twists off a shaken soda pop, Momentum Makeover’s fizz may be fully exhausted but the sweetness remains.

On Thursday, Heather and Jeff Spiva and sons Thomas and Jonathan came home after about 10 days away to find a home wholly renovated and decorated by hundreds of hands. More than 100 youth and adult volunteers, workers and businesses donated hundreds of hours of time, countless years of expertise and priceless resources to turn the well-loved house into a well-turned home.

How does it feel?

“It feels wonderful. I was so excited to see what they had done, on the way over my hands were shaking,” said Heather Spiva. “All week Thomas was yelling, ‘Move the bus, move the bus.’ Last night, Jonathan got sick with nerves.”

Though there may have been nervousness, in his new home, Thomas smiled.

“I love it,” he said. “My room has the horses.”

Thomas is quite the hippophile, tirelessly committed to his equestrian love, said his grandmother, Jane Lambert.

Positioned prominently in the room for Jonathan is a painting one of his favorite things, soccer. Both murals were painted by First United Methodist Church of Stillwater member Bill Miller.

It took everything from everyone to complete the makeover.

“By the grace of God,” said Alton Carter, director of youth services at First United and director of Youth Force Stillwater, “we did it!”

All the hard work was worth it, said Kate Ray of Yukon First United Methodist Church.

“You learn a lot about yourself and what you can do,” she said.

“You don’t have as many limitations as you think.”

Jessica Woods of Yukon said the business of giving back made her happy.

“I’m so happy this house is going to this family. They are going to be blessed,” she added.

Others like Ean Bonjour and Cody Stout were exhilarated by the physical work involved in the project.

“I love the feeling of doing labor,” said Bonjour.

“It makes me feel wonderful to work and help others,” added Stout.

On Thursday night, the family slept in its refurbished home. Today, Heather Spiva said, they will transfer belongings from storage and complete the settling-in process.

“It’s always nice to come home,” said Jeff Spiva.

Ed's Note: LaNeta Guth and Mt. Zion Methodist Church youth were here helping on this project... this is a follow up story...