A Remarkable Day

It was 34 degrees this morning when we decamped from BBM at 7:30 -- we always seem to bring some wintry temperatures with us when we come down here.  How to write about this day? So much was accomplished at both sites, as the teams really found their rhythm.  But there was something more...In my experience, bonds develop over several days, but for this extraordinary group it seems to have happened even more quickly.


I asked a number of our group members to share one thing that amazed them, excited them, made them laugh or was a revelation to them today. Here are some of their answers, to which I have applied some editorial license:

"Hal told me BBM was his favorite place in the world."

...Our intrepid Jane goes dumpster diving

"Hearing what brings people back." (Revealed during a meeting we had this afternoon with Shari Prestemon, BBM's Executive Director.)

From one of our new Korean friends, "People's smiles."

"Seeing the eagerness and willingness of the campers to do a good job for people they may never meet."

"When people told me how impressed they were with my work."

"Seeing our progress from yesterday, and being able to capably use tools I've never handled before." 

Sheetrock Angels

"That I didn't end up on crutches."  (From a veteran of work camp injuries.)

"I learned I should check the drywall in my apartment for dampness."

"Being trusted to carry out some complex tasks that not just anyone could do."

"Watching the crew I trained working confidently on their own."

"That Julia was no longer sick and was able -- joyfully -- to get to work."

"The session with Shari and the heartfelt and articulate reflections of the youth."

"When Ashley spotted a mistake we were about to make that would have cost a lot of time and effort to fix."

"Being useful as a result of being observant rather than being asked."

"Learning we could communicate by drawing pictures, even though we don't speak the same language."

"Seeing my mom use power tools."

"The smart and safe way Suntai, Min and Hungdug work, their craftsmanship and their remarkable productivity."   

"The abundant spirituality reflected in this amazing group of people."

And for those of us at the Hoxie house at lunchtime, Forbes Scissorhands, an unending source of surprise and entertainment.

"Foot warmers!!"

As I reflect on this day, it seems that our new friends from Korea are a wonderful and unexpected gift to us.  We are amazed at how quickly they have jumped into the work, and how capably they do it, and we're warmed by the smiles that result from a communication breakthrough. Min has had a daunting job as translator and worker, all the while learning new skills as understudy to the gifted Messrs. Kim. We have David Taylor to thank for acting on his inspiration to invite them to join us. It has enriched our experience immeasurably.