1 backpack at a time

The school year has begun and many of the "back to school" traditions have been made. Everyone is done with cursing through Target for all the necessary school supplies and lunch necessities. Ah yes parents, those lunches.

A tradition my mom set out to start a couple years back has stuck around and made 3,000 little hearts happy. I was lucky enough to participate in the outreach again this year. I delivered 50 backpacks to the last school in need today. Before leaving, I stopped and knelt down in front of the pile of backpacks and prayed. I prayed that they would touch and change the lives of whoever received them.

On Thursday I went to pull a student out of class for therapy. It was near the end of the school day, so I asked him to bring his backpack along. Embarrassed and speechless the boy did not respond. So I asked again. He looked up at me and replied "I don't have a backpack". It was right then and there I knew getting this kid a backpack would be a lot more meaningful than the first day of speech. So we did. In an instant, an embarrassed and unresponsive face turned into a smile from ear to ear.

This is a post about the outreach I published on August 30th, 2011. Changing live one backpck at a time!

We Did Good on a Saturday...

Last week I experienced an incredible opportunity. Never once did I envision myself with a hammer and a nail. Nor did I ever think I would build a house for a family in need.

On August 11th, 2012 that opportunity became a reality.

We certainly couldn't do it alone. We had help - a lot of it. Thirty-five unskilled volunteer team members showed up to build for a common purpose. To celebrate my mom's 50th Birthday.

It wasn't your typical 50th birthday bash with party dresses and dancing. We (ladies and gents) got down and dirty with 5 pound tool belts carrying loads of materials needed throughout the day.

For over a year her philanthropic heart had a great desire to participate with Habitat for Humanity.
She planned, she recruited, and she made it happen.

One of the life changing moments that touched the community of volunteers was gathering together to pray over the first wall. I'm pretty sure the majority of us were thankful for sunglasses that day.

Working with a community of like-minded people creates a wisdom of crowds that is considerably
greater than any one person working alone. We were surrounded by others who were working toward the similar goal or objective which increased our motivation, support, and friendly competition to push a little bit further than we would have done on our own.

It was hot... in the hundies, just like a typical August in Fresno. But we stuck it out because of the hard working community of volunteers.

There are no words that can truly describe the day. I left feeling good, and I know the family who is receiving the house felt overly blessed. Many thanks to all who dedicated their muscles, energy, time, and friendship to make this day special. Way to go guys, we did good.

Also a BIG thank you to Silvia Flores Photography  for creating a lasting memory.