Integrating these communities has many pros and cons but overall I think it creates a better environment for a new homeowner to move into as it is more stable than a neighborhood with only first time homeowners.
The first day I worked with Alex, the assistant construction manager and 2013 Bike and Build alumni as he showed me a lot of the electrical components of a home, including wiring and installing electrical boxes. Today I worked with Jeffery, an Americorp worker on landscape where we moved almost one hundred wheelbarrows full of dirt to the front of the house and started learning how to use blue board to insulate these houses. Most Adobe style homes in Santa Fe don't actually have air conditioning but rely heavily on insulation and use the cold air from the evening to cool the house during the day.
Everyone on site seemed so knowledgeable about the different elements of these houses and were so eager to teach us why they do the certain things that they do. They also are involved with a Youth Build program, which brings 30 teenagers pursuing their GEDs on site for 10 months in order to teach them valuable skills in the construction industry and give them experience as they enter the real world. Working with some of these kids was really powerful because they offer so much promise and potential.
Our evenings in Santa Fe have been filled with karaoke, dancing, and overpriced margaritas. We are having a blast enjoying each other's company and working through our highs and lows together.
Shoutout to my amazing boss Julia who is off to take a huge job at Indiana University
Shoutout to my amazing boss Julia who is off to take a huge job at Indiana University
I think I've only been to NM once, many years ago we drove west to east across the state. I recall being surprised at the diversity and beauty. I'm so happy you are doing well, toughing it out through these highs and lows (literally and figuratively).
ReplyDeleteLoving the blog & snapchats!
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