I've never worked on a project, or crew, that big on one of these trips. We all met for the first time that Sunday night, and by 9am on Monday morning we were rolling. Everyone picked their roles and used their strengths. Some were deft painters, some skilled carpenters, and others may not have had the experience, but were always ready to learn something new. There was never a dull moment. Between digging through 3 inch stone pavers that used to be a driveway, or cutting one of the hundreds of deck boards that would be getting installed.

Coming home Thursday night I was getting ready for what was going to be one of the most productive days I'd ever had. Right as I started to feel ready for what was coming; a new challenge was set. There was another site that needed help on their wheelchair ramp. We would have the best of the best ready to go to get this project done; however, we would only have about 8 hours to get it done...from scratch. After a couple hours, 2 coffees, and 3 pages of notes later, we had done everything that we could to prepare for it. As we got there around 9:15am, everyone had just enough time for one deep breath before we got started. 

A second wind hit everyone as we all buckled down to finish the job before we left for the 15 hour bus ride home the next morning. As random measurements and someone yelling "speed square!" filled the air, we all found ways to help. Everyone used every skill, every muscle, and every bit of energy left in them to get it done. Finally, as the clock hit 7:30pm we got to celebrate what was the most productive day I had ever been a part of. I made it into the bus and then collapsed into my seat. We had all done the impossible...twice...in one day. I am so proud of the work we did. All the people we helped; but above all else, I was proud of people.