Wallen@communitycommon.com

Scioto County resident John Lang, Jr. will soon be on his way to Thailand with former president Jimmy Carter as a part of a Habitat For Humanity mission trip. While there the two will be among other volunteers from around the world that will help construct homes, for deserving families.  

"Over the past few years I've gotten to know (former) President Carter and his family a lot better on these Habitat For Humanity trips. It's something that just came about and has developed into a closeness with me and Habitat For Humanity as well as the Carter family," Lang said. 

Last year Lang was featured as a part of PBS documentary about former President and Mrs. Carter and their long time work and commitment to habitat. The film titled "The Life A House Built," also featured the work being done in the Gulf Coast by such organizations as habitat.

While in Thailand, the volunteers will be in Chaing Mai, where an estimated one-third of the population live in poverty. 

"Substandard housing is a great concern not only here in the Appalachian area but throughout the world. Habitat for Humanity has served millions of people throughout the world to bring decent housing to families in need," Lang said." It's a great honor to continue lending a helping hand along with the former President in hopes to draw attention to the deplorable living conditions of people throughout the world."

Recently Lang was invited to attend Carter's 85th birthday party in Atlanta, Georgia. At the event the Carter Library and Museum was rededicated. A number of former Carter administration officials were in attendance.

While the two are in Thailand, others will be in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China's Sichuan Province.

While there Lang will be serving as a House Leader, where he will be coordinating a number of volunteers. He will arrive four days early in Thailand in order to help coordinate things.  

"Every trip I take I always think, it can't be as good as previous trips, or previous habitat builds. It always seems to build and get better. I'm excited to learn a new culture and a new way of living," Lang said. "The side benefit to the trip is that I learn a lot as well, not only are we building but I learn a lot about other cultures as well."      

Lang said that he would encourage anyone interested in volunteering, to do it. 

"A lot of people in the area might not be able to open up there pocket book, but certainly lending a helping hand to your neighbor is just as important," Lang said.