Before the thoughts and images of this past week completely escape the magnificence they hold right now in my mind, I'll attempt to write them out. It has been so long since I have thoroughly enjoyed a trip and did not have that aching to come home prematurely. This break was unexpectedly something. I got to begin with some fellow RAs and dinner, and a new secret spot to enjoy the evening with. Watchmen was next on the agenda and it was first time I went to see a movie alone - a very worthwhile experience I hope to repeat countless times over again. Saturday was full of conversations, homework, and on to Sunday morning thesis writing as previously noted. And then we loaded the van. We hit the road on our way to Cleveland, TN. No, we did not venture to an exotic location, heck we didn't even get out of the state. But I got 'out' of the norm more than if I had ventured somewhere that may have required a passport.
The first day we arrived at the Marina on Ocoee Lake and met Cliff's dad for a boat ride to our home for the week, a cabin on the lake. The mountains left us all speechless in addition to being on a boat ride in beautiful weather with glistening water all around. This wasn't even a day into our journey. Each view and each new location left us with no more poetic language than, "wow!"
Our first project was to help to demolish a new Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland purchase - an old Cinema. The plans are to create a Habitat Re-Store complete with offices for administration in the existing facility. Our job? Tear out everything that wasn't cement or a load-bearing wall. This meant mirrors, projectors, dry-wall, tiles, old air ducts, ceiling, bathrooms - stalls, commodes, sinks, everything, and more. We had no clue the extent to the demolition until we took that first sledge hammer to the first layer of dry-wall.
The following day, with a promising weather report, we ventured to the community where Habitat of Cleveland was constructing their 63rd and 64th houses. We began the siding on one home and the floor trusses and foundation of the other house. We also had the privilege of meeting the man who's flooring was just going up. Our work was diligent and PB&J for lunches never seemed more fitting or appreciated.
We then went back and forth from demolition site to construction site. Ironic we know. Both were fantastically productive and our team understood the work necessary and everyone accomplished so much together.
The afternoons? Spend as you wish! We hiked straight up Sugarloaf Mountain the first day, then to Benton Falls (what a view!). There is no way to describe falling, climbing, hugging trees to support yourself, getting dirt in every inch of you, scrapes, sweat, and laughing with people because of it all combined. The next day, we spent some time in town bowling and going to Starbucks, and then a night in with a rented movie. Reading, playing games, sharing stories, napping, and so much eating.
I don't know if all the muscles in my body ache because I am out of shape or because we did so many things out of the ordinary for me, but it doesn't matter because it was all so worth it.
The boat rides never lost their wonder. The mountain view never allowed us to overlook it. The sunsets and sunrises were breathtaking each time. Hardwork always provided for a hard, refreshing sleep. Food never tasted so good. I have not felt God's presence so much in a group of people and in my own life in such a long time. A constant hug from God is how I describe it.
I wanted to blog about cool gadgets that make my life a little more fun, however, those gadgets had a mind of their own. My lovely blue Camelbak water bottle decided to snap yesterday. I went to Cumberland Transit this morning and purchased a new one. Then, I came home to snap a picture of it and my 50mm lens (only 3 months old) decided to fall apart as well.
