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Habitat for Humanity.

By revolutionaire.


I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity last Saturday morning, building new homes in a rundown section of West Historic Ocala.

Blind. That's how I went into the adventure.

I had emailed DeAnna Hartley to ask if there were still projects in need of volunteers. She was eager to hear from a new volunteer and encouraged me to come at my own discretion.

The following Saturday, I was one of the very first volunteers on the scene and aside from being slightly tired, I was pumped and enthused about the work that lay ahead of me -- whatever kind it may be: hammering, sweeping, painting, siding, sawing ...

But Dee also said she may have a different kind of volunteering in mind -- volunteering to do the photography for a Women Build Project calendar. MON-U-MENTAL!

I was already eager to volunteer with the building process and now I've been given the opportunity to do a photography shoot for a Habitat for Humanity, Women Build calendar!

I just don't know what to say.

What great opportunities for me.

What a great way for me to give back to the community, learn about construction and development of homes, be touched by witnessing and having a hand in the dedication of a brand new home to it's brand new family, meet incredible people, and practice my photography skills.

I am stoked.

And even tough this coming Saturday is going to be one of the longest days ever, I'm still going to volunteer in the morning, go home, shower, nap, and then drive to Orlando for a grand finale of a concert. In one day, Habitat for Humanity changed me.

And, I made a new friend on Saturday. Her name is pronounced Fee-me, but I don't know how to spell it. She's incredible! She's about my age and she was also volunteering. We worked together all day -- the difference was, she'd never used a power tool, swung a hammer, or got on a ladder taller than a step stool.

By 11 A.M. (we started at 7), she had helped build one wall (swing that hammer!), installed two walls, got on a ladder and drilled holes in 2x4s, and did all of that on the SECOND floor of an entirely unfinished house. (unfinished meaning there were no walls, just a floor, one story off the ground.)

As she and I were leaving, she turned to me and said ... "so I got on a ladder today and used a power drill ... on the SECOND floor!" To see the pride in her face at her own accomplishments and her contributions to the building of a new home, was one of the best feelings of the day. I get goose bumps thinking about it.

When it started pouring rain as I was running back for my bottle of water, she yelled "I'll wait for you, Alison!" And she did. She waited under a tree in the rain because she knew we were two of the last people to leave and HFH encourages the buddy system. She's an incredible woman and I can't wait to work with her again.

I could pretty much go on forever about my experience last Saturday, but why would I, when I can tell you all about it all over again next week after I've gone again.

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