Saturday, March 12, 2011

Anticipation

We leave tomorrow morning for a four-day Habitat for Humanity build in Lafayette, Louisiana. I found this build through Road Scholar, an educational and travel company for people aged 55 plus. Doing the build is on my bucket list, and Cajun country is a place I'd like to see. And Art said sure, he'd like to go. I understand the temps will be in the 70s and there may be a thunderstorm or two. So we'll be taking lightweight clothes and sandals and sunscreen and hats and maybe a light rain poncho. We've made arrangements for our cat, Larisa, to have her usual paid companion during our absence.

I'm a little concerned about the amount of exertion this trip will require. After a yoga session I can feel the muscles used for about 48 hours. I'm still feeling them from my Thursday night class. What happens if I overexert on the first day and then have to lie on a plank on a sawhorse for the rest of the week, watching the other, more fit 55-plus folks do the work I've come to do?

No matter. For me, intention is important. I want to help out - not only for people who need a house, but for an area that was affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita way back in 2005. I've noticed, again, with the earthquake and tsunami in Japan this week, how the people of the world want to help each other in such calamitous times. What about six months down the road, though, or five years?

Also, I live a fairly sheltered life. I have a house with a roof that doesn't leak and a furnace that comes on reliably when the temperature inside drops below 68 degrees. Art and I each have a car that runs and a pickup truck to share. We have excellent health care coverage and a travel budget. I expect next week I'll see some things that will remind me of my extreme good fortune. And maybe I'll be able to be of genuine service to someone else.

I've been asked if I'm excited about this trip to Louisiana. I say no, I feel anticipation. I'm open to whatever comes along. I have few expectations. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

I'm taking my laptop and my camera. I hope I'll have time and internet to blog and post any photos I take.


13 comments:

Deere Driver said...

Looking forward to your report. I'd love to try this someday too.

BlueRidge Boomer said...

Remember the bug spray...!!

Enjoy

#1Nana said...

I hope you have a great trip. I'm looking forward to reading about your ahha moments...I'm sure it will be a learning experience.

Linda said...

Very proud of you for the completion of another goal. Hoping all goes well.

DJan said...

I am also looking forward to hearing about your adventure. For that is what it is, an adventure into another world, with unanticipated events sure to occur. Just remember to stop before you get too awfully tired, you should be fine.

I am still very sore from my 13-mile hike on Thursday, and it's Saturday already! I hobble out of bed but within a few minutes I can walk normally. :-)

Tracy said...

Oh Linda,
You just need to do what you can do and enjoy every minute! I would so love to do building for Habitat...I once had a student who's family benefitted from Habitat and I will always remember her smile and pride when she finally had a home.
Good luck, be safe and I can't wait to hear about it! AND see the photos :)

Linda Reeder said...

How wonderful to have your husband going with you. I know that would make me feel more secure.
Have a great adventure!

Sally Wessely said...

I think this is going to really be quite an adventure. I would be anxious and also feeling anticipation also. I can't imagine doing what you will be doing and really admire you for doing it.

I look forward to seeing your posts.

marciamayo said...

Have a good trip. What wonderful things you are doing with your retirement.

Olga said...

This is wonderful. Our SC grand children all spend two weeks each summer at a church sponsored program that sends groups to work on home repairs for elderly people or in impoverished areas. Our grand daughter says she will do this for the rest of her life--and, in fact, really would prefer to declare roofing as her intended career. It is a beneficial program for all involved.

Arkansas Patti said...

I do so admire what you are doing and remember, when muscles ache, make them do what it was that made them sore in the first place and it will go away. Asprin helps.
Can't wait to read your posts about the experience.

Out on the prairie said...

I will be looking forward hearing about this experience. Have a good trip!

Cheryl Kohan said...

Have a great trip. A word of advice: Just make a point of not "overdoing it" and you'll do great. I really admire you, too, for your commitment.