Friday Frenzy and Home Without a Hitch

Work always seems to pick up steam on Friday, as folks have the natural urge to get things finished. Another chilly day had us working inside, painting trim (three coats on door and window frames and doors)…

Tiling completed in the kitchen..

Tiling the tub surround begun in the master bath..

Knees creaking, we started cleaning up just as a light rain began to fall, and returned to the mission house for our final meeting with Craig to reflect on the week. He always asks for positive and negative feedback, and this year it was overwhelmingly positive.

We liked being together at a single job site, as opposed to being split up, even though it got a little crazy when all that was left to do was inside work. Kudos went to Jim for the great job he did as crew leader, making sure everyone had meaningful work, sound instruction, and the chance to learn new skills.

Those who worked at the Micah Center and the Food Pantry found their experiences to be very meaningful.

Earl sagely observed that in past years he was very focused on getting as much accomplished as he possibly could; but this year he slowed down to enjoy and reflect on the fellowship. Mission work, by its nature, is never done. You do what you can, the best you can, in the time you have. We thank him for being our inspiring spiritual leader.

We wrapped up the meeting with awards. I was too caught up in the moment to remember to take pictures of the winners wearing their purple medallions emblazoned in gold: Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly. Winner of the “Will Try Anything” award was Andy from Newtown, a first-timer who stepped up to try anything from running the chop saw to playing Setback. Connor earned the “Will Do Anything” award for taking on any task, regardless how menial, in spite of being one of our most skilled workers. And the final honor — the “Beloved Doofus” award — went to Chase, for missing the buses on day one, falling asleep in the attic, licking caulk off his fingers thinking it was powdered sugar, and capping Friday’s cleanup with his creative use of used painters’ tape.