Today was again a WONDERFUL day!  As usual

We went to the habitat warehouse for our usual morning meeting.  However, today had an interesting twist - we were split up into three small groups to all go work on different homes throughout Bridgeport.  This split was a window of opportunity for us to not only practice our newly learned skills but to also work closely with people we might not have worked with before.  The first group went to install fiberglass insulation into a basement - a very itchy task, but of course made extremely fun with the help of habitat’s wonderful painter, Jacques!  Another group worked hard in a couple homes installing spray insulation – or should I say worked hard for two entire hours trying to unplug the insanely long hose.  Although they spent so much time trying to get this hose unplugged, I heard no complaints once we were reunited at the end of the day.  They instead kept talking about all the crazy ways they tried unplugging it – you can tell that our group is growing in a positive fashion through turning all these negatives into a positive.  Our other group continued to lay the last bit of that super fun, splinter causing luan (plywood) in the house we have been working on this entire week.  At the end of our day, we even got to meet the home owners for this house!  Meeting these individuals really helped us realize why we are out here in Connecticut.  These people are walking in the home with that special sparkle in their eye – a sparkle that shows their excitement and eagerness to actually live in their own home.  These future homeowners are no longer seeing all the tools and ladders scattered everywhere, but imagining their own kitchen table with everyone they love sitting around it, laughing and making memories. 

 

Coming to Bridgeport has us not only building homes, but building relationships.  Yes, I had to throw in that corny line but it is beyond true!  It has only been five days, but I feel as if I am making friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime.  Tonight in reflection I realized we truly are connecting to one another, like a little crazy family.  With each passing day we become closer, acting as if we have known each other for years.   I know we all came here hoping to meet some pretty amazing people, but I am sure not one of us expected to feel so much love from people we barely know.  At reflection, a few of us shared some really deep information; I swear there wasn’t a dry eye in our living room.  This shows our trust in each other, our love for one another. 

Day five, and we are a family.  A big fun, loud, amazing family.