Durchak Home Update

In my last post I mentioned that we were going to be starting Barbara Durchak's house and that I was really excited about it! So, here is an update. A large group came the first day of demolition and did an amazing job! At the end of the day, Crew Leader Joe told us that the amount of work that the group had done in that one day was equivalent to what groups have done in three days on past demolition jobs! That blew my mind, but I believe it. They had filled up an entire 30 foot dumpster and that dumpster was the most organized, beautiful dumpster I have ever seen (which is good because the more organized a dumpster is, the more stuff you can fit in it)!

The kitchen of the house before demolition

What the kitchen looks like after demolition 

We also found some cool crate lids which were used as the flooring in the attic of the house (which is thought to be over 100 years old). The label found on the crate (as seen directly above) reads, "Perishable, No Delay" and is dated 3/29/46!

Work on the house has been consistent even since that first demolition day. The highlights for me have been smashing up the chimney and taking it down with nothing more than a hammer (which was SO fun!), and pulling down an extension of the house that had to come down so that the house can be raised.

Me and my hammer taking down the chimney 

The mess I made while taking down the chimney!

What the little side room looked
like after I was done with it :) 

I love this entire family. They are the most lovely, kind and grateful people I have ever met. I love going to their house to work for many reasons but one of the biggest reasons is that I get to see them and spend some time with them, which always brightens my day! I am looking forward to continuing this journey with them. 

     

Morris Home Dedication

A moment of reflection on the Morris home dedication:

The Morris Home: Beginning to End

It took place last week. It was a gorgeous day- not a cloud in the sky. I arrive to the house early to help set up the festivities. As I was driving to the house, I realized that it would probably be the last time I took that drive, which has become a drive that I really enjoy. The majority of the drive is on a small curvy road that follows the river. The road is full of large trees, little ponds, and extravagant houses to gawk at. I had the realization that it would be the last time making the drive when I was going over the large bridge where the seagulls hang out and I instantly regretted that I hadn't driven a little slower and enjoyed the ride.

The event went smoothly. Everyone had a great time, the home looked beautiful, the speeches were moving and there were these really delicious brownies with cherries on them at the reception. It was an amazing feeling standing on the front lawn of the home with all of the guys who I had shared weeks building the home with. The best part of the day and the one thing that I know I will never forget is Leslie Morris coming up to me at the end of it all and giving me a big hug and personally thanking me for all of the work I did building her home. The feeling of that moment is indescribable. All that I can say is that it felt good and so so right.

The Morris Home

Tomorrow I am going to the demolition of the Durchak home. A few weeks ago I had the privilege of spending a few hours with Barbara Durchak whom I felt connected to by the end of our time together. The demolition tomorrow is going to be exciting because it is the start to the new beginning that Barbara and her family so deserve. A new beginning is a beautiful thing which everyone deserves. I was reminded of it's beauty when Leslie gave me that hug at the dedication. I am so lucky to be able to enter these amazing people's lives and be apart of their journey and new beginnings.