Friday, July 17, 2009

Tenacity is no substitute for turnout


Every Saturday this summer, except for Independence Day, we've been there -- the Jensens, the Petersons, project director Nick Poolman and friends, and occasionally a few others. We've wrapped the house. We've framed the two-story addition. We're replacing the siding and getting ready to finish it off. We've moved the stairs. We've finished the demolition.

Alex (the homeowner's daughter) and Caitlyn, rising eighth graders, Dylon, a rising junior and Bryan, a rising first grader, have all given up nearly every Saturday this summer to babysit Mary and any other young children who come around, fish out tools and supplies, and generally help out. Two other board members' children have given up a Saturday or two in physical labor to help someone else -- not through punishment for wrongdoing, but more or less voluntarily in the spirit of giving.

Wonderful as these kids are, we need more adults to step up. If you can't swing a hammer, we would be delighted to delegate the lunch catering to a willing helper. As it is now, we all leave to get provisions when we get hungry -- with drive time, ordering, etc., it's an hour of daytime that could be better spent on work.

Could you and your civic or church group get a tasty, at least somewhat nutritious lunch together for the workers?

As recompense we spend Sundays at the lake. Still, it's a lot to ask of kids that age. It's one thing that Ed and the other adults on our board have answered the call to serve. It's quite another to ask it of the kids.

Earl, the master plumber, is planning the pipes. Lane, the electrician, has looked at the wiring. Lisa, the homeowner, has bought some supplies and the Fuller Center for Housing has bought others at our partner store Lake Park Farm and Home.

It's coming together, but slowly. There's only so much a small group can do.

We'll be out there every Saturday until it's done no matter what.

We need you to join us: swing a hammer, bring us lunch, call and recruit more workers, get the word out at your church, write a check -- whatever you can do, please consider doing it for us.

We took a huge leap of faith, taking on a project this big when we weren't yet started. Slowly (very slowly!) but surely, it's coming together.

We're missing a piece. Is it you? See you Saturday at 405 S. 4th Street in Terril -- south end of town near the elevator.

The video today is from Carolina Liar -- "Show Me What I'm Looking For"

Save me, I'm lost
Oh lord, I've been waiting for you
I'll pay any cost
Just save me from being confused
Wait, I'm wrong
I can't do better than this
I'll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for
Show me what I'm looking for…oh lord