A hammer. A smile. And a first international build in Fiji.

At 61, Krista Holland swapped her daily routine in the U.S. for the tropical warmth of Fiji and her first ever international build!

“This was my first international build, and I wanted to experience it and give back,” she shares. Though it was her first time in Fiji, Krista dove right into the work and into village life. “While I enjoyed the satisfaction of the building, I will remember the people in the village the most.”

From conversations under the shade of the lush trees in a Fijian village to learning how Fijian life compares to home, Krista found connection and joy in every moment. “I enjoyed talking with and getting to know the villagers and learning about similarities and differences of their lives and culture.”

As someone who’s seen firsthand how “affordable housing is getting more difficult to find” back in the U.S., Krista understands deeply why Habitat’s work matters: “Decent housing provides opportunities for families and individuals to have a safe and healthy environment for all.”

And perhaps her proudest takeaway?

“My hammering skill improved”, she shares.