Growing Better Together

What can I say about our last day?

The people at Habitat for Humanity amaze me. The houses they build are built entirely by volunteers and these people are incredible. Today we met Marge, a retired lady, who had more energy than I could hope to have this morning. There were enough “regulars” to divide up us “kids” today, and we’ve been very fortunate to learn a lot of practical skills from them over the past few days, but I think we also learned a lot about dedication and service. They commit their skills, their bodies, and their good humor to this cause, and they kept me motivated when my energy began to wane. They really are warriors (even if we will never have winter again!).

Reflecting over the past five days, I can’t adequately express my gratitude to the people I have met. My team was awesome! Although we lost a few people before we even began, I wouldn’t change a thing, because our dynamic as a team could not have been better. We laughed a lot and we shared some very profound experiences. I was to thank Asha for her enthusiasm and her fearlessness; Laura for her kindness; Amanda for her constant gentleness; Andy for his patience (because we’re both horrible navigators); and Jay for picking up the slack when I couldn’t do it anymore (navigating that is!). I think we will continue to be friends because we have shared in something no one else can experience.

To all the people who have fed us over the past few days, thank you for opening your homes, your hearts, and your kitchens to us. So many people have shared their faith with us, and that is something so beautiful and personal, that I cannot properly say thanks. Thank you for good conversations, and for filling our bellies after a hard days work, we could not get enough of either, for they are vital forms of sustenance.

I want to thank Felicia, for weathering “scenic routes”, alarm systems, and early mornings with us. She was amazing and went above and beyond for us this week. She not only offered us an essential Jewish perspective, but she too became a friend.

Finally, I want to thank Leo Katsman, whose idea it was to have this trip and who worked for many months to make it happen. I led the trip, but if it was not for him it would not have been possible, and I wish he could have been there. I look forward to the events Leo, the rest of the Better Together exec board and I have planned, so stay tuned!

Everyone I've met over the last five days has proven to me that it is truly possible to work together no matter our differences, that we really can be BETTER TOGETHER.