It's another Saturday and work calls me away from the kids and Jeff.

It is days like these that I wonder if I did the right thing in getting so involved in Habitat for Humanity and the Americorp VISTA program.

My Americorp pledge keeps me from saying 'no' to a lot of things that I might otherwise say no to. So I gather up my toolbelt, head to the office to pick up the necessary supplies of the day.

This Saturday is different though. We need cookies and punch, programs and prayers, free t-shirts, cups and plates.
Because today we are having a wall raising ceremony.

As I drive to the build site I run through the mental list of items I was supposed to grab with only Dave Matthews Band to keep me company.

I have never been to a wall raising ceremony and I certainly have never planned one... at least not until this week. And I feel a bit nervous.

I go through my mental list one last time, and doubt and question myself before setting it aside as I turn down Evergreen court and see the build site...

There is work to be done now....

It isn't long before people arrive. Maria arrives like she does every Saturday. She always has a smile to share as, together, we build her a home. But this week is different for her too. Her brothers and friends are here.

All goes well and the joy shared around the build site is contagious! Standing side by side raising the walls with Maria makes it all worthwhile.

I just wish Jeff and the kids would have decided to come and join me.