Right now we are driving back from a build site in Prescott, AZ. These past two days have been different because we had two build days back to back. We did painting and landscaping and got a lot done. Another group of us went to a separate build site and did drywall. It was way hot yesterday and we were admittedly sluggish (not to mention the fact that we had a night of hardcore karokee in downtown Prescott the day before), but today was a lot smoother. Accomplished a lot, hung out with the owner, she made us lunch.
Admire the different shades of color in this picture. It's the result of two months of biking and building in the sun. I guess my tan is more pronounced than Ginger's, though. Tan lines are fun. It's my badge of courage.
Anyway, I had a moment of clarity the other day (a rare occurrence, I know). It's been repeatedly beaten in my head that we're doing something good and helping people - by churches, reporters, adults, everyone - but it had never really sunk in until yesterday. We're raising money and awareness for affordable houses and building houses, sure, but that always just seemed to me like something "good" to do. Not that big of a deal and I've done Habitat building in the past.
But our Habitat contacts in Prescott showed us a short video yesterday and I really think it hit everyone like a ton of bricks. Its never too late to be or do whatever you want; to live a life you are proud of. You just need the courage to start all over again. But you may need a means - And thats what all 31 of us have done this summer. We are enablers. All the stories I've heard from the people that apply for these affordable housing homes lead me to the same conclusion. Single parents, struggling families - whatever it is, these people went through a rough patch in their life and now they want to take hold of their lives. To live responsibly and strive for a better life with their OWN home.
But getting your own home isn't easy and you probably can't do it by yourself. That's where Habitat comes into play and thats where our raising money and labor helps. I realize I have helped make a small contribution to a significant change in someone's life. It feels pretty good.
The family we just helped paint a house and landscape for was living in a single room. A mom, dad, and two children in one room. ONE room. And pretty soon next month they will finally have their own home and the mom will only have to drive 10 minutes to work. The children will finally have a playground in the backyard that was donated. Does this make sense? This story isn't uncommon because I've heard it many times during this trip.
"Your life is defined by its opportunities, even the ones you miss."
I'm glad I didn't miss this summer.
In any case, soon we are going over our grant money. Each one of us gets to donate $500 to whatever affordable housing place we want (Habitat chapters, smaller organizations, etc) and our group is also deciding on where to allocate, I think, around $30,000. I may be butchering these numbers, and I will correct them later if I am, but I think thats about right. Like I said, its cool that we are using this money we raised to DIRECTLY impact affordable housing organizations. What a trip.
Heavy stuff... lets get more lighthearted.
Prescott is a cool college town, a nice downtown area and has a row of bars called "Whiskey Row." We had our 2nd build day today and that ended at 1 (its too hot after that), and the rest of the day for whatever. Things like going to the local bike shop and getting some Thai food are in order. And nap time. Don't EVER forget nap time.
This is from the last church we stayed in. Whenever we are able to find instruments or a PA system, everyone always seems to take advantage of it and make as much noise as possible. This night was no exception. If you think music emanates from this picture, you are wrong. It sounds more like 3 people chanting, a drummer, and Alex on the hippie bongos. Good fun...
The middle school we are staying out. Sweet mural, right?
A picture of the ride into Prescuit... a lot descending a bunch of rocks.
Another photo, posed, located on the left of the previous photo.
Doing some "painting" on the house we were working on today. Don't worry we didn't leave the house like that.
And finally, a picture from karaoke night. This was during "I Believe I Can Fly." If you look closely, you'll notice that Anna, is in fact, flying.
That was a fun night.
And happy birthday Ben (yesterday)! And Gabe (today)! They probably won't see this, but I know their parents will.
Finally, shout out to Jackie. We all love and miss you and will see you in San Diego. Unfortunately, Jackie had to leave us with short notice, but with Bike and Build its always good-bye and never farewell. See you soon.
San Diego - T-minus 1 week... oh god..
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