Weekend before last I had an opportunity to do something I have wanted to do for years. The office I work in was participating a Habitat for Humanity project and I was free to sign up despite not actually being an employee of the hospital. The house was for a girl who actually works for the hospital so we got to do something really special for one of our own. I had no idea of what to expect because I had only read about these projects and watched Extreme Makeover:Home Edition. A co-worker and I were going to do it together but at the last minute he had to backout so I was afraid I would get bored. Boy was I wrong! I had more fun then I have had in a long time and I was so busy I hardly even noticed he wasn't there! When I first got there we just moved siding from one pile to two other ones (on each side of the house). Then the real fun began. We got split into groups and went to work. I was in a group that was in charge of siding one side of the house. There is this specific type of siding that is made of cement that you have to nail up and you can paint it-which is why I would like it better than vinyl siding. It also doesn't burn so that might come in handy sometime. I was one of 3 people who didnt mind getting up on the ladder's so I kept working long after most people who were putting up siding. I was there almost an hour after most people (not counting the roofing people) left. I took some before, during, and after shots. Here are a few:


This is how the house looked when we first arrive. If I remember correctly we were on the second weekend of work.

The roof went up pretty fast. I didn't have anything to do with that part but it was really fun to watch them at work.


Here is a part of my crew putting up siding. At first it took alot of people because the siding was really long. After awhile we cut them into shorter pieces to fit and we split off into groups.




Here is the side of the house where I helped put up the siding. I took it all the way up to the roof!


Finally. The after shot. When I left the house had a roof and siding. I can't wait to drive by in a month or two and see what the finished product looks like.


This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have done alot of neat things in my life but this is in the top 5. I was more sore after this than anything (well...maybe more after white water rafting), but it was well worth it. It is so fulfulling to be able to do something to help another person out. If you have ever thought of participating in a Habitat build- I hightly recommend it.