Packing

With my fundraising finally completed, and my flight set to lift off from Newark at a crisp 7am Tuesday morning, the only thing left for me to do at home is to try my hand at packing my bag. This in itself is a difficult task because I decided to not utilize the full packing services of my mother. My tool belt alone weights upwards of 25 pounds and most of the weight is taken up by objects which I have no idea how to use.

As soon as my plane lands, I will be picked up by the Build America team from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Ohio by the Build America crew team. From there I will be taken to the teams lodgings at Case Western University where our journey will begin. I am sure the first few days will be filled with ice breaking games that will guarantee we all know each others' favorite colors and biggest fears, they will also include extremely helpful building seminars and tool training which will be necessary for us to function as a team and for us to use our shiny new Home Depot tools in a safe (and productive) way.

Building aside, I am nervous but excited for the opportunity to make hundreds of special friends. I cant wait to embrace Push America's message of Teamwork and Empathy and change my life and hopefully the life of at least a few others. The tools I am bringing with me could might as well be plastic shovels and paintbrushes if I do not make an impact on the life of at least one camper. I really do hope that I do not embarrass and hammer the right nails into the right holes but I hope even more that Push America's message is not lost on me as I attempt to balance the trials of building with the trials of being a friend to the campers I am about to meet.

Most trying of all however, might be the daily 5am wake ups.