I have heard a lot of criticism over volunteering at habitat for humanity. People have told me that there were better volunteer opportunities for medical school and that everyone does habitat but after completing my first two weekends I'm glad that I chose it. Here is why:
I enjoy working with my hands. I like building things and I like to deconstruct things. There is something inherently delightful in completing a project. My first week on September 6th, I spend the early parts of the day shoveling. We were attempting to level out the terrain to provide the house with proper drainage. The weather quickly became the limiting factor. The temperature skyrocketed and by early morning it had become a challenge to drink enough water. I dripped with sweat, literally soaking my shorts and drenching my hair to the point that it looked like I just stepped out of the shower. I guzzled water drinking a total of 2 gallons that day but water didn't become the limiting factor, it was electrolytes. At noon we stopped for lunch and someone did a run to a grocery store to get gatorade. By this point water wasn't doing me much good and I had sweat out a great deal of salt. After lunch I returned with a new vigor but blisters began to form on my palms and burst. I wrapped my wounds and kept working, switching for a short time to do some painting inside to escape the heat and do something I'm good at. The end of the first day approaches and I nearly fall asleep breathing my sigh of relief.
The following weekend I volunteer again. They need someone to do insulation. I have never done it but I'm eager to learn a new skill. Ventilators? Check. Gloves? Check. Goggles? Check. Up the ladder. The roof is low and the attic is dark. I try to sit up and my back is pierced by roofing nails that hold up the shingles. Stay low, and don't go through the dry wall. The heat builds up as the insulation is put down. Halfway done and I pity the people who have to insulate hell more than the ones who live in it. Lunch time arrives and I step into the rain to cool off. I seem to be drawn to the heat like a lizard climbing into an oven. I love it because it creates a new appreciation for a job, a new perspective to add to my collection. I will understand why construction work begins early in the morning (earlier than I usually would like) and why they take naps during the afternoon. I can't wait to volunteer again.
Hours: 16
