Habitat Revisited

When I began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in 2002, little did I know how big a part of my life it would become. First up, New Zealand. I always wanted to travel, so this was the perfect opportunity. 20 hours and half an Ambien later, we landed in Auckland. It was there that I met Valerie who has since become a great friend and team leader for my trip to Poland in 2003. This second venture was my favorite. The team was mostly young folks so we all got along great, going out after hours and keeping the mood light on the work site. Val is leading my next trip to Romania in September (this will be my fourth. Stay tuned to this blog at that time for tales of my extreme adventuring in Dracula's castle). Third up was Hawaii. I have always wanted to go there, and I was not disappointed. In the relaxation factor of the trip, that is. I would never return to Hawaii with Habitat. The affiliate was so poorly organized. Very discouraging. Of course, I contributed to the bad taste this trip left in my mouth be getting involved with a fellow team member, alienating most of the others and becoming quite pathetic in the process. Would Dan want to see me when we got home? Was he the one? I'm sure being in paradise (and it is PARADISE) contributed to this. I wish I had never done this trip, and won't return to Hawaii unless it is for vacation only. The only nice thing about it was Vi and Barry Lazzer, a couple I now consider friends. As you can guess, Dan and I no longer speak.

Speaking of friends, Habitat has introduced me to some individuals I hope to know for life. People you just get along with automatically. These are the best friendships. This past holiday weekend I got to see four of these great persons: Dave, Brad, Billy, and Tess from the Poland trip. We laughed until our sides hurt and then some. It was just nice, and comfortable. And I miss them now, because I didn't expect to see or talk to them again and we came together as if almost no time had passed. I didn't realize how much I missed them until now when I miss them because I got to see them. Brad will be on the Romania trip, as well. It's always nice to see a familiar face in a foreign country.