Habitat for Humanity

[mom4fun]

Last Saturday, I got my unwilling rear up at 6:30 a.m. to go "help build a home" for Habitat for Humanity..  I have nothing against it and think that it's a great thing to do.  I just felt like I was forced into it by my employer and didn't understand how "we" could build five homes in 3 hrs.!!!!!  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

Anyway, I get up and get dressed and as I'm leaving my bedroom, my son meets me in the hallway and says "Mom, I want to go help the poor.  Can I go with you?"  I'm not quite awake, so I wasn't sure I heard him right.  I asked to repeat it.  He said, "I need to help other people and I want to go."  For those of you who don't know, my son is 8 yrs old and autistic (or so "they" say).  My first response was , "Are you sure?"  He said, "yeah, I'm going with you."

So we trekked up the 20 miles to the event and, let me just say,  it was the most organized event I have ever been to.  There was live music which was cool, but I was so impressed with how they had the plans organized and easy to read, the material set up so that it was easy to get to and it was the most fun me and my son had together in a loooooong time.

My son helped carry material, went and got nails for the volunteers, delivered drinks and snacks to others,   He hammered nails, danced, played a litttle and watched as all of the work was being done.

And yep, in three hours the 600+ people had the the basic framework and walls for 5 homes.  Some professionals put one home together so that we could see what  our handywork had helped build and we were fed a delightful meal.

As we're leaving, my son grabs my hand and says "Mom, I feel good about what we did.  Don't you?"  All I could do is smile.  I DID feel good.  I felt good that I got my grumbling butt up and showed my son that working together, we could help other people.  I was proud of my son for making the conscious decision to help other people and I felt so much gratitude towards all of the volunteers, organizers and donations that allowed this event to happen. 

Thanks to this event, we had the best weekend this summer.

 

[emf6874]

Aug. 21, 2008 at 2:02 AM

That was a sweet story! Thanks for sharing!