At the crack of almost dawn, our group dispersed into the great unknown known (the site that we knew). We downsized to one car, in which we were packed like chickens (but not really because there were only 12 of us); we were closer than we had ever been (literally). When we arrived, we were basically on our own, but we knew what to do -a drastic change from the early settlers of the days of yore (us from yesterday). After hours of nail making, insulation hammering, and ceiling dwelling, we were greeted outside by the glorious smell of Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, graciously given by our amigos from Habitat for Humanity. But back to work we went, where the even more gratifying smell of used blue jeans awaited. Alas, time went forth quickly. Before we knew it, we ran out of insulation, time, but NEVER running out of fun! Those at the site were grateful, and those who left the site had jeans in their eyebrows. After bonding over hypothetical stories of our futures together (living in a van with jean walls), we treated our tastebuds to the delicious taste of frozen cows' milk (ice cream). Upon our return, we took much needed showers, and settled down to view the game many know and love: football. With stomachs full of brinner (breakfast for dinner) and eyes full of tears (because we lost football), we collected our thoughts for one last late-night reflection period. We talked of many things: the volunteer work, the great people we've met, and the changes each of us have experienced throughout this exciting journey. After a few sentimental moments, we played a not-so-sentimental game of charades. Before we knew it, it was time for bed for most of us -all except an exciting dance party for two. With happy hearts and sleepy minds, we all drifted off into the humble abode that was a cot. It may have been our last day volunteering, but it was not our last day as a family. Ever. 

At the crack of almost dawn, our group dispersed into the great unknown known (the site that we knew). We downsized to one car, in which we were packed like chickens (but not really because there were only 12 of us); we were closer than we had ever been (literally). When we arrived, we were basically on our own, but we knew what to do -a drastic change from the early settlers of the days of yore (us from yesterday). After hours of nail making, insulation hammering, and ceiling dwelling, we were greeted outside by the glorious smell of Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, graciously given by our amigos from Habitat for Humanity. But back to work we went, where the even more gratifying smell of used blue jeans awaited. Alas, time went forth quickly. Before we knew it, we ran out of insulation, time, but NEVER running out of fun! Those at the site were grateful, and those who left the site had jeans in their eyebrows. After bonding over hypothetical stories of our futures together (living in a van with jean walls), we treated our tastebuds to the delicious taste of frozen cows' milk (ice cream). Upon our return, we took much needed showers, and settled down to view the game many know and love: football. With stomachs full of brinner (breakfast for dinner) and eyes full of tears (because we lost football), we collected our thoughts for one last late-night reflection period. We talked of many things: the volunteer work, the great people we've met, and the changes each of us have experienced throughout this exciting journey. After a few sentimental moments, we played a not-so-sentimental game of charades. Before we knew it, it was time for bed for most of us -all except an exciting dance party for two. With happy hearts and sleepy minds, we all drifted off into the humble abode that was a cot. It may have been our last day volunteering, but it was not our last day as a family. Ever. 

Today is the second day. We woke up with sleepy eyes and journeyed towards our Habitat build site. Our friends from Habitat and a group of men from the Church og God Mennonites greeted us with smiling faces. After getting a warm introduction about the missions of Habitat in Tuscaloosa, we proceeded to install insulation to one of the homes. The insulation is made out of recycled blue jean material, so we are not only constructing a home, but we are also promoting environmental sustainability! After finishing the second layer of insulation in that home, we took an hour lunch break. Once our bellies were full from lunch, we put the second layer of insulation in another home! After clean up we headed back to the church to take much needed showers and get ready for dinner. We went to a local Mexican restaurant with a brief stop at a thrift store. After filling up on Mexican food we headed back to the church to dance with members of the community who are part of a ballroom dancing club! We displayed our skills (or lack of skills) for the dancing club, and we also learned some dances in the process! Our very own Lauren Longino even taught the teachers a fun line dance. We were very excited to be invited to the ballroom dancing hosted at the church. They were extremely happy to be able to teach us all of their dances. After the dance wrapped up, we played a few games and headed to bed for some much needed rest after a very long day. 

William and Holly

Waking up after the long day before would of been a struggle for most people, but not for the Tuskateers. We knew what was planned for us today and we could not wait to wake up, pack our lunches and arrive at the site. Between the two days, we grew closer as a family and decided to take one van to the site. The list of inside jokes grows longer and longer as the days goes on. We arrive at the site at 8:30am and begin right where we left off.

After some light exercise of moving wood and sawhorses, we jump straight into our main task: insulating. After finishing double insulating the first floor we move onto a much more interesting task, insulating the attic. Sitting atop rafters and boards, we hold old blue jeans up and nail them in. Sheets of insulation followed. Working away, the day comes to an end as Peter, the worksite leader, calls us to clean up;  good timing on his part, given we had run out of recycled blue jeans.

Having cleaned up and with blue jeans in our throats and noses, we take some final worksite pictures, say goodbye, and drive off to TCBY.

Samantha and Ben

Today begins our four day journey. We left UT before the break of dawn with stomachs full of bagels and hearts full of excitement. 💁 It's a five hour car ride from Knoxville to Tuscaloosa, but it was pretty great considering we got lots of extra sleep, good music, Chick fil a, and of course bonding time with our fellow Tusksteers! 

Once we arrived at Taylorville Methodist Church, we were greeted by a friendly face and lovely accommodations. We are so grateful to be staying here during our trip, and we cannot contain our excitement to be invited to the church's ballroom dance tomorrow night. 💃👟👠

After settling in, we explored the beautiful campus of the University of Alabama (but of course, UT is the only home for us!) and the strip. As we navigated through the Crimson tide, we made a game of counting elephants and the square feet of the fraternity houses. 🐘🐘

As we get closer with our team, we cannot explain our excitement to get started and give back to the Tuscaloosa community and have a great trip. 🔨🔧😁

Over and out, 

The Tuskateers: Alexus and Shelby!

Oh, by the way, check out our selfie at Bryant-Denny: 

Down the Highway

We are only three days away from Fall Break! It is hard to believe it is all coming into fruition this Thursday. For those who don't know, our team is traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama (we still love our Vols), and our theme is Restoration of Substandard Housing. Since 2011, Tuscaloosa has been hit by two tornados that both left a wake of destruction in their paths, and the local Habitat for Humanity branch is making every effort possible to restore homes and hope for the residents of Tuscaloosa. Because of the large influence and impact Habitat has in this community, we couldn't think of a better organization to which we should devote our time. We see perseverance and light in Tuscaloosa in how they have come together in the midst of tragedy, and it is an honor to work alongside them and serve them in this way. On top of that, we can't wait to share this experience with you! We will be posting every night of our trip to keep you updated on all the things we are doing and what new and exciting opportunities we are experiencing.

Our mission is to provide an authentic and impactful experience in a community affected by natural disasters that promotes purposeful service and inspires lasting engagement and camaraderie. So, as we head down the highway on Thursday with overalls in our suitcases, we will be preparing to build relationships and build houses, which sounds like the beginning of an amazing fall break to me.

First AFB post!