SHELBYVILLE - Christine Watton and her daughters had more than 50 people over for cookies and lemonade Sunday. The occasion was Habitat for Humanity Shelby County blessing its sixth house since being chartered in 2001.

One of the final steps in each project is a house blessing, where volunteers celebrate their hard work and, through prayer and the presentation of a new Bible, bless the house.

"This is the result of a lot of hard work, both on your part, and on the part of our volunteers," said Habitat President Winston Campbell.

Watton and teenage daughters Paige and Abby put in considerable time working on the home. She said the work had multiple benefits.

"It is good to see what a group of people working together can do," Watton said. "I think the idea that volunteers can come together and create something this special is very important."

But, there were other benefits.

"I'm stronger and more confident," Watton said. "Building my own home was more than I could imagine, but I learned that if someone showed me how to do something, I could do it."

Campbell said Habitat will be building another home this spring, and a partner family in Stewardson has been chosen.

One thing Shelby County Habitat will need in 2009 is a special volunteer.

"Our construction superintendent moved," Campbell said. "We really need someone who will step forward and fill that role."

sharonhrnews@hotmail.com