Volunteers from Alabama

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This July, Bend Area Habitat had volunteers all the way from Alabama! On July 12, 2006, Sara and Brian Bradley came to the Habitat office in Bend to help build homes and experience the Pacific Northwest. I spent some time talking with them during their stay.

Sara is her in final year of school at Auburn University in Alabama. She will be receiving a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and is planning on continuing with graduate studies. She has a deep desire to help people. Brian, her father, is retired and currently volunteers with the Habitat affiliate in the town they live in.

Sara and Brian, initially, wanted to go on a Global Habitat Volunteer trip; but, after researching it, decided instead to volunteer here in the states. They selected the Pacific Northwest; then started to research Habitats in that area, and, finally, made the decision to come to Bend Area Habitat. When I inquired as to why they selected us, Brian said it was because of our website and how much information it contained … from homes completed to homes under construction. They arrived on Wednesday, July 12th and volunteered through Monday, July 17th.

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Their volunteer time included … working at ReStore – organizing the tool area; working with the NewBerry Habitat on Friday; on Saturday, Sara was thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to work with Carrie Hicks out on the Faith Home! Her favorite part of her Bend Area Habitat experience: “I loved working with the women out on the construction site on Saturday, getting to hammer and see the progress being made.” Brian enjoyed all aspects of the volunteer experience – but did say he especially “enjoyed working at ReStore”.

Sara and Brian returned to Alabama via a trip Crescent City, and then on to Portland. They will return to their home town and the Habitat they volunteer with, and are looking forward to sharing their experiences!

We thank them for choosing us – as the Habitat to volunteer for over the summer! And, we look forward to continuing the long-distance Habitat friendship!