A Gratifying Experience
A few weeks ago I posted a blog about a new wave of microvolunteerism sweeping through cyberspace, and noted that I would be doing my own form of volunteering through Habitat for Humanity in the coming weeks. It was the first time I had undertaken such an activity in my 40-plus years of existence on this planet. And, I helped build two homes in West Chester, Pa.
I helped construct a wall on the second floor, helped frame-out another wall, hoisted sheathing to the second floor for said wall, moved some heavy lumber to a new location and held Tyvek in place while someone else on another ladder nailed it in place.
And, I met a lot of really nice people. One in particular was a computer programmer who works for Excelon who came from Ireland. He made his way across the pond a few years ago, finding odd jobs along the way, including honing the carpentry skills he had learned from his father in Ireland. He dedicates about two weekends a month to the West Chester project and taught me a few things along the way, especially about building “king” and “jack” studs from a blueprint. A king stud is the full length stud around a window opening or door and the jack stud is the one that supports the window or door header.
There were about 50 of us working on the new homes on that Saturday in July. And, thankfully the temperatures were in the upper 70s -- really nice to be working outside on the second story of a new home. While I always wanted to take part in such a project, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was amazed, though, at how enjoyable doing carpentry, heavy lifting, talking with other committed individuals and being part of a project could be.
Gratifying is probably the best way to sum up the work. I slept really well that night and my arm muscles ached a bit the next day, but it was definitely worth the effort. Gratifying. It’s what being part of a community is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors.
Kudos the site supervisor, Shawn, and his lovely assistant, Bunny, a 90-year old woman from the area who worked inside the construction trailer where the various crews picked up our assignments and supplies for the day.
Another group from our church is set to return several weeks this fall, when the work will be inside.
I’m thinking of hanging some drywall.