Habitat celebrates the dedication of Alex's home

Alex Foster has a home of his own.
Eight simple words and a dream come true.
On Aug. 25 representatives of Habitat for Humanity Northwoods handed Foster the keys to a home that will offer him a kind of independence that once felt out of reach.
Foster was born in Russia with a disease he describes as leaving his body weak and handicapped. He spent most of his early years in a Russian orphanage before being transferred to a Shriner’s Hospital in South Carolina at the age of 11.
Ultimately, his legs were removed at the knees “to reduce risk of wound problems and increase mobility,” he told those assembled at the dedication ceremony. He was also adopted by Pastor Ed Foster and family. He completed his schooling in Rhinelander and currently works at Walmart and Culver’s.
“All of you have given me so much more than I could ever have expected or thought possible,” he said at the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. “I prayed for a home of my own, but never dreamed it could be like this beautiful, wonderful, wonderful house that is wheelchair accessible, has safety features for me and fits my handicap needs so well, God has blessed me with this amazing house. For all of you who did all of the hard work with kindness and passion, as the process has been coming to an end, it has given me a lot of satisfaction and joy to be able to find things I could do to be part of this work, like painting trim, putting and door knobs. I even laid flooring with my brother. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all the incredible people who donated their time and skill for Habitat of Humanity and got involved in providing a huge opportunity for someone like me to have a home of my own.”