Two weeks in Brookings comes to an end

We finished up our two weeks at the Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanner build in Brookings, SD.  We began each day gathering at the sign-in table for morning coffee, devotions, and getting our daily instructions.

We really like the folks on this build. Four years ago when we thought the RV lifestyle we thought about having good times with good people like these.

In addition to working all day, we frequently got together in the evening for a 'Mix and Munch'.  And we went out to eat together a couple of times.

The work here has been great.  We all felt like we contributed and we were all surprised at how fast the house went up.

After we got the walls up and the rafters on, most of our time the last week was spent on the roof and doing the siding.  Pam spent a lot of time on the chop saw.

Two weeks went fast but at the same time it seems like a long time ago from this:

To this:

This build has been one of the best we have participated in.  The local Habitat guys on site (Steve and Dave) were great.  They kept us moving in the right direction and were good teachers and patient with us.
A big plus on this job was the scaffolding.  It was a lot of work putting it up but it really helped.  The temporary fall protection around the facia was another great idea.

Last night we had one last dinner together and went the annual McCrory Garden Party a block away from the restaurant.  The Gardens have many beautiful plants and flowers and a place for plant research.

McCrory Gardens is said to be 65 acres of the most beautiful land in South Dakota.  It serves as an outdoor laboratory for students at South Dakota.  

Today, we move on about 50 miles down the road to Sioux Falls for a few days.

Thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time...

Habitat Homeowner - Jeremy

We love Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanner builds for a lot of reasons:

• We get to see different parts of the country
• We meet great people
• We make new friends
• We like the work and learning about building

And ~

• We meet new homeowners and see how thankful and grateful they are

On Tuesday, Jeremy and his wife Michele showed up at the job site as we were gathering for our morning meeting and devotions.

Jeremy and Michele are Habitat homeowners who live in the neighborhood.  He wanted to stop by and share one of his poems with us.  He says he always associates his poems with Scripture.  He gave me his permission to share this one with you:

Building Homes Changes Life

by Jeremy Klingbile

Looking at your future

How can your needs be met?

So high and so many,

And a deep endless debt.

You're looking for a house,

The greatest need of all.

A place you can call home,

Not too big or too small.

You have found your new home,

But it's no where around.

Who would have ever guessed

It would start from the ground?

They come from all places,

Together they are a team.

When they build you your home,

They also build a dream.

Some are complete strangers,

Some family and friends too.

Each one is so special

With all they do for you.

You give thanks to them all

For playing their own part.

Their names will forever

Be engrained in your heart.

It is a program with life

Filled with caring and love.

It builds hope for others

While praising Him above.

We started off our day with some new inspiration.

Thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles.  Hope you are having a good August!  Until next time...

Habitat - Brookings SD

We are enjoying the build with Habitat Care-A-Vanners here in Brookings, SD.  We arrived on Sunday, our RVset up at the Larson Mfg Co parking lot and met the other team members at our first meeting.

Our team members are Betty and Jim, Brenda and Jay (our team leaders) and Jon and Greta.

The build site is about four miles away.  The foundation and first floor decking was already in place.

This is the first time we have seen Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).  These are the wall pieces.

They go up quickly and have an R-19 insulation factor.  Steven and Jon got the corner in place and braced it.

Then Jim measured out the rooms for the framing to begin.

We have a daily morning meeting with devotions and instructions.  Other volunteers have been providing lunch.  Lee arrived on Tuesday with big spread we thoroughly enjoyed.

Things have moved along quickly and yesterday (Wed) we finished putting up the rafters.

The weather has been good and the work has been fun for our first week here in Brookings.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time...