| Friday,
May 18
Diligently, our
hardworking crews direct their efforts toward
finishing touches. Blinds are being hung,
shelving and ceiling fans are installed,
and touch up painting is taking place both
inside and out. The semi-enclosed front
porch is just lovely - a perfect place to
relax. And I am impressed with the how the
aluminum balusters and stained railings
on the ramp give the home a finished appearance.
With tan siding and white trim this is one
classy house. Gloria and Bashamba pitch
in with the final clean up and the ladies
from Beautiful Cleaning are preparing to
get started. This home will be spanking
clean for the “house blessing”
service taking place this afternoon.
Like the other days,
scores of people are hard at work but today
it seems everyone wants to help out with
this “final act”. It’s
exciting! Sara Kierzek, executive director
of Milwaukee Habitat and Steve Tennies,
a key member of Habitat’s construction
team (and someone we have talked to almost
daily over the last several months) are
on hand offering assistance. Bob Kelly,
Habitat’s Technical Administrator
pops in to see how everything’s going.
Thoughtfully, a friend grabs my camera and
says “Now, you get in the picture”!
Bob and I move in for a photo. Tim Bolger,
City of Milwaukee Construction Inspector
arrives on the scene for the final inspection.
With a smile, he gives Gloria and Bashamba’s
home at 3142 N 6th Street, a hearty “thumbs
up”.
Today the Thrivent
Builds for Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build
home comes to a close. I am filled with
poignant emotion visiting the site this
morning. Seeing the beautiful, completed
landscaping in front, the work of Wandsnider
Landscape Architects, the huge reality of
what has been accomplished hits me. Was
this really the forlorn vacant lot I saw
a month ago? The home that now stands will
soon be filled with the enormous love of
the new home owners and the laughter of
their children.
Later
today, I will return once again for a service
that will fittingly bless the home that
has blessed, and will continue to bless,
so many.
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