A day off
March 13, 2009
After a very long, yet very fun,
week of work we were able to take a
day off of work and enjoy the
Carolina's. We went to the Shiele
Museum and the Concord Mall. We
enjoyed each others company and the
chance to relax.
Roofing
March 12, 2009
Today we worked a second day at the same
Habitat for Humanity site. We worked all
day putting the roof on the house. It
was very interesting to see how the
whole process worked. We had several in
the air working on the air as well as a
grounds crew working on a great deal of
projects. The Habitat crew was amazing
not only instructing us on how to
perform tasks, but also explaining to us
why we were doing those tasks. They were
also fun to work with and to talk to. By
working two days at the same site we
were able to see the fruits of our
labor. The first day we put up walls and
the second we put up a roof. The house
began to take shape. Also, today the
house owners stopped by to see the
progress which was cool. Tonight we rode
the train into Charlotte and enjoyed
walking around the city.
Working with Habitat
March 11, 2009
Today we woke up at the crack of dawn in order to make it to the job
site on time. We worked for Habitat for Humanity today. We were told
that we would be sodding today; however, because North Carolina received
a couple of inches of snow last week they were behind on the building
process. We were able to help build a majority of the house. When we
arrived the walls had frames but no coverings and by the end of the day
the house took shape, including a front porch. Tomorrow we will be
roofing! We were also pleasantly surprised because today was a college
day for Habitat and we were able to work with some individuals from Coe
College. Everyone enjoyed Habitat and the workers were extremely
friendly. It was a joy to talk and get to know a little about each
person and we all look forward to working with them tomorrow. One last
thing we thoroughly enjoyed about today was the beautiful 80 degree
weather!
Jackson Park Ministries
March 10, 2009
Today we worked for Jackson Park Ministries.
Jackson Park is a family ministry that helps
struggling families get back on their feet.
Throughout the day, we divided ourselves into
smaller groups and worked around the Jackson
Park campus. We picked up trash and sticks,
weeded, painted handrails, cleaned apartments,
worked for the food pantry, built furniture,
moved washers and dryers, and fed the community.
Although it was hectic and chaotic at times, we
accomplished a great deal, while keeping calm
and being flexible. Our group really took
initiative and was patient and kind to do what
was asked of them. The day ended with a surprise
visit to one of our favorite places, Sonic!
First full workday
March 9, 2009
Today was our first full workday. We spent the entire day at the
Knights stadium. While there half of the group stayed and painted rooms that
were primed the previous day, while the other half of the group worked on
packing and unloading storage items. In the afternoon a majority of the group
dusted more of the facility while some continued to paint. The day was filled
with good times and memories. (We found a dead snake under the bleachers when
cleaning and chose to name it Frank.) We enjoyed spending time with our group
members as well as others for the community. We were able to accomplish a great
deal with great numbers, and in a full day of work we were able to help out
LifePointe with tasks that they could not complete on their own in the allotted
time. We have a great team dynamic and everyone is willing to work. The week is
going well thus far.
Getting
started...
March 8, 2009
Today we attended the LifePointe Church Service. After the service we helped
tear down their equipment and clean up the facility. Everyone was extremely
helpful and grateful that we came to help. During the afternoon, we ventured
over to the Bobcats (NBA team) old training facility. This will become a new
community/church building for LifePointe. While there we dusted, dusted and
dusted some more. We also painted a couple of rooms. It was a fairly short
workday, however, we accomplished a great deal.
Spring Break!
March 6, 2009
Last night, Friday, March 6, 2009, at 7 pm the 16 members of Alternative Spring
Break set out for Charlotte, NC. We finally arrived to our destination after 17
hours of driving (with many pit stops along the way). We had a good safe trip
down to North Carolina with some fun bonding time in the car. Today we arrived
at Jackson Park Ministries and met Scott (our helpful coordinator) and settled
into a building set up much like a YMCA with a gym, game room, and weight room
along with a kitchen. This will be our home for the next week and we are
extremely excited about getting some service work done, meeting new people,
developing relationships and enjoying the over all Carolina experience. Plus the
weather here is BEAUTIFUL!