Strong, Independent, "VOLUNTEERS!"

This alternative fall break trip for me has been way more inspiring and greater than I ever imagined it would be! Day two brought many new challenges to our team as for most of us it was the first time working with Habitat for Humanity. However, the community in Durham definitely welcomed us with open, encouraging arms. It was really interesting working with the Geezers (a group of retired old men who have been volunteering with Durham Habitat for Humanity since the start in 1985.) They were hysterical and very serious about their job, but great to work with as it takes a wonderful group of men to patiently teach 13 college kids to put up vinyl siding. One really cool part of working with them was just learning to trust ourselves. I know that at first I was so nervous I was going to mess something up that I ended up doing an even worse job. After constant motivation from them and my AFB team members though, I started to grow confident in my job and automatically started doing better. I saw other team members make this transition too. One key part of community development is to come together as a team, but as we learned today another important aspect is to confidently never underestimate yourself.

We are definitely looking forward to what the last day of service holds for us!

Madeline Standbridge