HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GALLATIN VALLEY

Forty young adults have invaded the job site at 1748- 1766 Buckrake Ave., in Bozeman, MT.  Like a colony of ants, there are scurrying across the cement slab completing theirs tasks in lighting speed.  Monday and Tuesday were spent measuring, cutting, and hammering 2×4s together in what appeared to ramdon disjointed order.  BUT…

On Wednesday morning it all came together when two exterior walls were hosted into place.  A Cheer when up when the final base plate slipped over the last anchor bolt.  A sense of accomplishment was clearly seen on all of the faces…including Tim and Ken, the key adult leaders directing all of the building activities.  (Did they have a moment or two of doubt?)

MISPACK…Network Youth Ministry from Hudson WI has been coming out to work on Habitat of Gallatin Valley homes since 1991.  While most of the members are new each year, a few who have committed themselves for each of these years.

What keeps them coming back?  Emily who is now a leader with this year’s group started when she was in high school.  She state; ” It is fun and a great way of giving back.  Besides I’m learning something each time I come.  Some of the previous leaders are now my friends and together we are teaching these high school seniors something new.”

Matt, a first year volunteer, is a senior at Hudson High School said, “I’m here because this is a great way to volunteer and learn something.”

While Carlton and Lou have their hands full keeping 40 highly energetic  youth engaged in doing what needs to be done, they have been able to find enough for them to do so each is getting something valuable out of their work week here with us.

Some quick background on this group.  Each year these “kids” have to raise money to pay their way to come out to work.  Yes, that’s right.  Not only do they volunteer their time, they have to raise funds to make a financial contribution to HfHGV, plus cover their expenses when they are not on our work site.

Wednesday afternoon is taken as a day of Thanksgiving…they spend that time writing Thank You notes to the folks who helped sponsor them or make a financial contribution so they can get out here to work.

Now once Friday is done and they receive their “Golden Hammer” half the group is splitting into four smaller groups to go back-packing for another week.  The other half end back to Hudson WI with a sense of accomplishment and memories that will bring many back next summer.

Besides saying Thank you to this group, we would also like to Thank  Lee and Dad’s, Rosauers, and Earth Crust for their support in providing meals this week.

JDavid