For Adel and Adelya Musa the dedication of their Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity home was the culmination of a journey and the fulfillment of a dream. Both fled their native Sudan amidst the violence and terror of the 1990’s. Finding love and one another they married during their years in an Egyptian refugee camp.

They immigrated to the United States seeking safety and security to start a family. They first moved to Boston, but after a visit to relatives in Des Moines they were convinced that the Midwest held the greatest hope for rearing children,

Living in an undersized apartment, Adel and Adelya sought a partnership with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to provide them an affordable and decent home in which to raise their family. They have three children and are joined by Adelya’s younger brother while he continues his education.

Adel works at the Flooring Gallery and works a second weekend job as well. Adelya works at Mercy Hospital. During the project, Adel has joked that he has three jobs referring to his “sweat equity” contribution to the Habitat partnership. It is an investment he is proud to have made to provide security and hope for his children.