a "new beginning" for the nelson family

Teresa and Ricky Nelson, natives of Conway who also happen to have the same birthday, joined the program in the fall of 2022.

They applied to the Habitat Homebuyer Program because their current living conditions are crowded and they are in need of a safer living environment. Home ownership will provide “BIG changes” in their life, Teresa says.

For Teresa, one of the best times in her life was when “God sent a great man to me and I married him [Ricky],” she says. Teresa and Ricky love spending time together, with their dog, and walking on the beach.

Ricky has persevered and overcome some health obstacles in his life. He says that doctors even told him he may not live to see 40 years old. Today, Ricky is 55 years old and living a healthy and soon to be even more wonderful life with wife Teresa.

Since joining the program, Teresa and Ricky have learned to work together and never give up on their goal. Through their sweat equity hours, they have also had the opportunity to work with volunteers and staff who they have “learned to love”, Teresa says.

The first thing the couple plans to do in their new home is cook a wonderful meal and Praise God – thanking him for opening “the door to a better living space”, Teresa says with excitement. And, of course, they’ll do lots of decorating.

To Teresa and Ricky, home means safety and comfort. Teresa says home will be “a place to build memories, future wealth, and just a place to be ourselves”. One of Ricky’s favorite bible verses, Genesis 1:1 states that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Completing the Habitat homebuyer journey and closing on their new home will truly be a wonderful “new beginning” for the Nelson family.