I helped someone have a house.

I spent yesterday for a special and worthy cause by attending Miss Jenny's Birthday Build for Habitat for Humanity. Her birthday is this coming Wednesday, but instead of doing the usual route by throwing a huge party at a bar or club, she decided to "make it count" by inviting friends and family and spending half of Saturday helping build houses in one of the organization's sites. Miss Jenny has invited me to some of the best blogger's events I have attended, and it was my honor to join and make her birthday more special. I was pleased and excited to have received an invite because I love making a difference even in my own little way by attending events like this.

Thank God for my supportive boss and officemates, I was able to go even though I was supposed to have work on Saturdays. I was already in Serendra a little before 7AM and after a quick breakfast and coffee at McDonald's, I met with Miss Jenny and her friends for the shuttle service to Habitat's Pasig site.

Here are some of the houses still being built.
The materials used were described to us, as well as the total costs.

It has been raining nonstop the past week, but God blessed us with good weather yesterday.

Miss Jenny provided gloves, bottles of distilled water, sandwiches, and doughnuts for everyone. After a quick briefing and prayer by the engineers in the site, we set to work :)

I'm an eager beaver ;)

We were divided into two teams where each sifted and shoveled cement.
It looks easy but wait'll you experience how heavy it gets in the long run!

Quick break!

Tired but happy faces :)

Gerick :)

The birthday girl! :)

I was scared at first because aside from Miss Jenny, Nikki and Gerick, I didn't really know anyone else.
But they were all very friendly :)

We went back to work after the break.
This time, we retouched the silver paint on the stairs and railings.

According to David, attending the build ensured lower costs for the organization, thus helping them provide more affordable housing for the less fortunate. He said the half-day we dedicated to the cause already helped people have a house. So yes, I helped someone have a house, and that certainly feels great :)

Finished product!
Here are the sacks of cement we sifted :)

We were only there for a few hours, but it was very tiring! Much respect for the construction workers who do this for a living all day, everyday. My body is still aching and I think I'll be sore all over for the next couple of days, but it's okay. Aside from helping make a difference on other people's lives by helping out, going to this build served as an eye-opener and made me appreciate what I have even more.

Special thanks to Miss Jenny for inviting me! I'm glad I was able to go and dedicate a few hours of my time to help :) This is such a commendable and selfless way to spend your birthday, and I'm sure God will bless you even more!

"What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?"

- John Green