Nearing the End of Spike 1

Hello All,

I'm sorry I have not been good at posting, I must get better at remembering to do it!

My first spike project is near complete. It has been a very challenge, yet rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to work on 34 homes and have had the chance to learn tons of new skills.

My team and I framed an entire house from the ground up and in the process I learned how to build walls, secure them, make sure the house is level, put up trusses, put up the sheathing and tyvek, as well as put on the decks. I also learned how to put up a roof and do some insulation!

I have learned a little about finish work--painting, trim work, caulking, and hanging all of the bathroom fixtures... I've also learned A LOT about problem solving.

I am a huge fan of the "learning curve." Its a very comforting thought that no one really expects you to know what you are doing right away and eventually you learn and get much better at every task-- who knew hammering was going to be so difficult at first! A tip: always use your elbows when hammering... it goes a lot faster! I've spent a LOT of time 'fixing' things... makes me appreciate things that are done right the first time. Whether I am spending time fixing others mistakes or my own mistakes, there is definitely beauty in doing it right the first time. All of the challenges have given me the opportunity to improve my problem solving skills!

The whole project has definitely been a success when it comes to learning and appreciating all that goes into building a house.

Not only have I learned a lot through the work I've been doing, I've definitely found my place here in the Biloxi area. I've joined First Baptist Biloxi and I absolutely love my church here. I've met some incredible locals who have told me some amazing stories.

It is so interesting to hear about "the storm." I never realized that people where out of power for a whole month or that Budweiser canned water and sent water down to help. I never realized that all of the schools were cancelled for 2 months and that in order to accommodate the students all of the classes had to be shifted around and some students would go to school in the morning and others in the evening. Being down here certainly opened my eyes to what the people of this area went through during Katrina. Still today the damage is evident. Driving along the beach front one can see many concrete slabs where houses and businesses once stood.

It is incredible. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to come down here and help chisel away at the mound of work that still needs to be done. Katrina was the largest natural disaster in the US history. It has been wonderful to be a part of the recovery effort.

My team mates and I get along well and our housing site is doable. Community living is never going to be the most enjoyable experience ever, but an experience it certainly is. I have the pleasure of sharing a room with six women and a facility with nearly 150 volunteers! There is never a dull day, that is for sure!

I have not yet received my next assignment, but I will be sure to update all of you soon.

By the way, thank you to those of you who have sent me cards or letters-- I have them hanging on the wall by my bed and I really appreciate them!

I hope you all are well.
xoxo
Cassie