Here is the story of how I checked #65 off my bucket list...
Our group, plus other volunteers involved stood in front of Jeff, the site supervisor. He was tasked with organizing the volunteers to different areas of the site based on skill set.
One of the reasons I wanted to volunteer was that I have been fortunate enough to have a very handy dad. I have learned a lot from watching, discussing and being a helper for various house projects. Also, my husband and I practically gutted our first house, so there were a lot of projects worked on. I figured this would come in handy and instead of being in the way, I could actually contribute.
As Jeff dispersed the group around the site, I was one of the last people standing there. I saw on his face a quick judgment of 'what am I going to do with her?'. I can imagine why he might have been reluctant to ask...I was 5 months pregnant, wearing a tool belt with a picture of a cartoon baby painted on it and the words 'baby on board'.
Jeff asked me what I could do and I replied what do you need? He smiled and asked if I knew how to use a saw. I responded with "compound mitre, reciprocal or a hand saw?". I could see my response shocked him and he laughed, "Okay, you're with me."
By the end of the day, we had finished siding the house including around the windows and doors. Jeff asked if I could be there all week - what a great compliment! It felt great working on the house, it was lots of fun and would encourage everyone to volunteer at some point for this experience.
2003
I had a great opportunity be a Habitat for Humanity volunteer through work. My employer was sponsoring a large group of employees for a one day build blitz on a fourteen house project in Toronto.
Our group, plus other volunteers involved stood in front of Jeff, the site supervisor. He was tasked with organizing the volunteers to different areas of the site based on skill set.
One of the reasons I wanted to volunteer was that I have been fortunate enough to have a very handy dad. I have learned a lot from watching, discussing and being a helper for various house projects. Also, my husband and I practically gutted our first house, so there were a lot of projects worked on. I figured this would come in handy and instead of being in the way, I could actually contribute.
As Jeff dispersed the group around the site, I was one of the last people standing there. I saw on his face a quick judgment of 'what am I going to do with her?'. I can imagine why he might have been reluctant to ask...I was 5 months pregnant, wearing a tool belt with a picture of a cartoon baby painted on it and the words 'baby on board'.
Jeff asked me what I could do and I replied what do you need? He smiled and asked if I knew how to use a saw. I responded with "compound mitre, reciprocal or a hand saw?". I could see my response shocked him and he laughed, "Okay, you're with me."
#65 Build a Habitat for Humanity House added to the list 2000, checked off the list 2003.
No comments:
Post a Comment