I had the privilege of meeting former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, several times during my tenure as chairman of Habitat for Humanity Thailand (HFHT) and the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) Board. Our paths often crossed at various “builds” in the United States, but one unforgettable highlight was their visit to Chiang Mai in November 2009.
President Carter, Rosalynn, and their family joined us in building 82 homes for the underprivileged, commemorating the 82nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. They were accompanied by over 2,000 volunteers from around the world, creating an inspiring atmosphere of unity and compassion.
I had the great honor of staying on the same floor as the Carter family for the entire week of the building project. Security was understandably tight, with teams from President Carter’s personal security, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, and the Thai government working seamlessly together. Despite this, President Carter’s humility and warmth shone through, as we shared three meals a day together throughout the week.
I fondly remember him starting the mornings early with exercise in the swimming pool before joining the day’s activities. President Carter was remarkably punctual, leaving his residence with his family precisely on time each morning to head to the construction site. He and Rosalynn focused on building one home together, taking breaks only at the designated times.
Though countless media outlets sought interviews, President Carter prioritized his mission. He asked me to handle media queries, agreeing to hold a brief press conference one morning, where he succinctly stated, “I have work to finish as planned each day.”
By the end of the week, all 82 homes – with one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen, and one bathroom – were completed on schedule. On the final day, President and Mrs. Carter personally handed over house keys and a copy of the Bible to each new homeowner. They also posed for group photos with the homeowners and the volunteers who had helped build each house.
One moment that has stayed with me was when a Muslim family, overwhelmed with gratitude, shared, “It feels like a dream to have a home of our own. We no longer need to worry about the safety of our young daughters. I am incredibly proud that my house was built by a team of a U.S. President and kind-hearted volunteers from so many countries.” Their heartfelt words truly captured the impact of this remarkable initiative.
At the farewell party, President Carter expressed his profound appreciation for the volunteers, many of whom follow him annually to participate in these building projects. He congratulated the new homeowners, adding, “The reason we come to build these houses for you is because God loves you. God loves us all.”
In Loving Memory Of President Jimmy Carter,
Of A Life So Beautifully Lived
And A Heart So Deeply Loved.
May you rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
