Week 5 at Habitat

We started work on a new house on 37th Terrace. On Tuesday I was immediately put in charge of a crew to build framing and covering the hole where the storm shelter will be. We did not want a repeat of the accident last week when a man fell in the basement. The framing will support cement that is going to be poured on top of it to create the ceiling. It took us most of the morning to complete the job. After lunch we moved up the street to the other house on 37th Terrace and continued to put up framing for the walls. I spent most of my time on clean up, fetching tools, and measuring and cutting lumber.

To the left is a picture of the 37th Terrace house with the framing for the walls put up.

Wednesday we worked at the Women Build house. A crew started installing tile backer board in the kitchen and bathroom. I worked in the basement and learned how to set tile.

Thursday we immediately picked up where we left off on the tiling project at the Women Build house. I was tasked with cutting the tile, so I learned how to use a tile saw. (Not taking any chances, I wore safety glasses on top of my regular glasses). Another crew continued to work upstairs installing the backer board. By the end of the day, most of the tile in the basement entry was installed and nearly all of the backer board but one piece was installed upstairs. It was a very productive, gratifying day.

More cold, rainy weather kept us working at the Women Build house on Friday. I became adept at using the tile saw. By the end of the day the basement bathroom was completely tiled and only two rows needed to be completed in the entry way.

Saturday morning I cut the remaining tile for the basement entry way. At lunchtime, the owner's mother had set up a chili luncheon spread for us. We sat outside and enjoyed the rare sunny day. The food was fantastic and the laughter and camaraderie was a joy. After lunch a couple of women and I grouted all of the tile save for the tile we set in the morning. It was messy, but satisfying work. What a transformation!

This was the last day of my sabbatical and I was sad to see it end. The staff gave me a "thank you" gift and card, which touched me. I'm going to miss seeing them on a daily basis. I have learned so many new things, met some great, caring people, and have just had a lot of fun.

The experience gave me much to be grateful for and allowed me to give something back to the community.  I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to do so. It's not the end, though. I will go back as time allows so that I can continue to give and receive.