The past few days Edward (my brother)and I have been volunteering at a park to build several new playground areas. It's a really big project! The project costs $350,000 to build and is being built completely by local volunteers. I told the other volunteers forget the children I want to play on it when it's done! The park is going to be amazing when it is finished.
Every day that Edward and I have gone, for about the first hour, I have been the only girl there! It can be really intimidating but all the men there have been very protective and respectful of me.
So far I have gotten to move lumber. That was okay but if you are working with someone that is not being so careful, it is really easy to get hurt. I got hit in the gut with a 2x6 and then it was dropped on my foot, then the same boy almost dropped it on my head!
I think using the router is the best thing I have got to do so far. The only bad side to that was that the guy in front of me who was using an old router that threw wood chips kept that hitting me in the face and left some red marks for a while. Oh yeah... and wood chips don't taste good either.
Today they had us work on some steps for a slide. we got to do a lot of hammering drilling and screwing. Edward was fine but I ended up with some blisters on my hands. oh well.
It wouldn't have been so bad today but the rain made it miserable. The free coffee and food is nice though.
I have been really enjoying being part of this project. It really gives you a sense of being part of the community.
I have told my family that one day I will have to take my children to the park and tell them that when I was younger I work to help build part of this park, in the rain the mud and the cold with blisters on my hands and my face pelted with wood chips. They should get a kick out of that.
I have felt for some time that I wanted to do volunteer work but have not had the time to get involved. I thank God that He has provided this learning experience for both me and my brother. When this is finished I look forward to the next adventure.
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5 comments:
That is awesome Andrea. I have been reading about that project in the paper. Need any more help next week? I'll proably have time I would love to help! Sort of the project that is right up my ally! Do keep us posted.
Hi Crystal!
Everyone is welcome! They can use all the help they can get. With the rain not to many volunteers are showing up. They have four hour shifts the first is at 8:00-12:00 then there is a 30 min. break and lunch is provided. The second shift is from 12:30-4:40 then 5:00-9:00. I'm not sure what they are doing about dinner. If you can't work a full shift that is ok but they do prefer that you do to keep things organized.
If you need more info you are welcome to call me.
I took the day off so my hands could heal. Wouldn't you know the sun would decide to come out. Guess what I'm not a guy! This job is hard but fun and worthwhile. I have new found respect for Chris and Wes.
We hope to see you there.
Thanks Andrea! I'll see...how tomorrow goes. I might actually be able to come tomorrow for one of the shifts. I can't work all day and I have some tests I really need to study for but I hope I can make it for at least one shift.
Wow, Andrea--that is a neat project!! I think it will be really special when you take your own kids there someday.
are you coming to softball tonight? :)
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