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Published: February 17th 2019
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The heat continues here in Philadelphia, but that’s not going to stop us from going to our Build Day here in my home city of Brotherly Love! I pull out my American Flag inspired hat & fanny pack and we pile into the van to head to West Philly. Right before we arrive, Ryan (who was driving the van) hit a car mirror (or something), which lead to a man following the van down the street. He eventually stopped, we piled out of the van prepared to walk, only to get back in the van, the issue resolved, and us continue on our way to the build.
We arrive and meet Magpie and her boyfriend Matt, who’s in town visiting for a few days. I introduce myself and try to make friends, but he’s a bit tough to talk to. We head inside where we sign in and divide up for our assignments. I assigned to help on the porch with replacing some beams to help hold up the porch roof a bit better. I also met Nick Moncy, who is a NC2SD16 alum and South Florida native, who currently lives in Philly—needless to say, we have a lot to
connect on. One thing that’s interesting about this Affordable Housing partner is that they train and employ men in transition from prison and help them get reintegrate back into their community by giving them this construction trade to learn and hep provide for themselves and their families. It’s a wonderful effort to help try to break the cycle of them ending back up in prison. Fired up! We eat some snacks and head over to our Build site and designated areas. As we learn more about the house from one of the girls that works/volunteers for the AH partner, we also learn that her name is Nora and she also carries a red pepper bandana—this town ain’t big enough for the two of ‘em!
I’m on the porch with Kristi, Magpie, & Matt and a few others, which makes it a bit crowded. The men are knowledgeable which makes it even more difficult with delegating tasks and everyone having enough work to do. Kristi and I take turns spotting each other as we replace beams and rehang the decorative corner pieces and reinforce the railing. We also helptake off the old cross fence-like wood under and on the sides
of the porch, as well as in a few other neighboring houses. Happy to have some tasks and tough nails to get out, we get the job done ??
We’re happy when it’s lunch time and we can catch a break inside away from the sun and heat and into the AC. We enjoyed some catered pieces of hoagie while Earl, one of the guys from the AH partner we were working with, presented a bit more about his story. It truly was inspirational and one we all will always remember! I included a photo of some of the quotes he said, including my favorite “I’m not where I want to be but I’m not where I used to be” and when he talked about giving back to the community that he took so much from. Talk about the redeeming work that can be done! Knowing this is not always the majority, it still gives me hope and inspiration and the desire to see more organizations provide these services and more people to have this drive to turn their life around, despite their age, education, or circumstances.
Soon it’s back to work, where were starting to feel like
we’re stabding around a lot. I peek around and see how some of the other groups are doing with their projects, replacing windows, demoing walls, to name a few. I’m also in contact with Mrs Foote, the mother of my beloved friend Christine who I did my first trip NC2SD14 with. Her and Mr Foote (who has a beard!) stop by and drop off Rita’s water ice, peanuts, and peaches. Talk about a special treat from home! ? I’m especiallly grateful for the symbolism of these goodies since Christine and I have been snacking on Rita’s and roadside peaches since the early days of us riding bikes together in the summers in South Jersey during college. Mrs Foote says “Well we couldn’t catch you guys on your first trip so this was our way to support your team this time around” ? Gosh I love them! I introduce them to some of the team and invite them back to the home office to enjoy some Rita’s (which came from a high school friend Katie Walsh who owns it now!) with us, but they kindly decline and head back to the car. We snap a selfie and send it to Christine,
exchange hugs and gratitude, and they’re off on their way. My heart bursting with joy to see such friendly, beloved faces from home, I carry the water ice back to the van with the help of a few of my teammates.
We arrive back at the home office and we relax in the AC and enjoy some Rita’s while we wait our turn in the one bathroom/shower we all have (get to?) share. As we’re enjoy the sweet tastes of Philly, Nora Jane says “Rally, thanks for being so awesome that your friends’ parents bring us snacks” ? I must say, I do enjoy actually being friends with my friends’ parents! Tonight we have an alum potlot in South Philly, which I’m excited about, but kinda sad that my dear friends that live in South Philly are all currently on another continent. What are the chances! As we head over, it starts to rain and we jam out to “Umbrella” and “Timber” amping some others. The van behind always knows when we’re listening to “Winnebago” since it always makes us jam out and rock the van ? We’re down roads that feel all too familiar, we pass Wharton (where
Laura & Steve live!) and arrive a few blocks away at Travis’ place—he’s #1 B&B alum & biking enthusiast! I actually ran into him at the art museum in Philly a year or two ago while riding Bikes & Beers with Jaci—small world!
We like out of the van and head upstairs to his place, which is the typical South Philly apartment—long and narrow with small rooms and kitchens. With all the people, bikes, and heat from the day, let’s just say we were warm & cozy. We enjoyed sharing some stories with some of the alum and ate our fill on food and beers. We began migrating outside onto the roof deck, which is a much more fun space than crammed in the living room. There’s a beautiful rainbow that we take some pictures under and enjoy lighting some sparklers and all being together.
The group starts to split and some head home to the home office while a group of us head to Sardine Bar—I cant believe I’m going somewhere I love to go to with my dearest friends from home with some of my dearest Bike & Build friends! Life is weird and wonderful and
full circle! Ryan’s friend from his trip joins us and they talked at the bar while we talk about their tricky relationship chemistry. We also play Cheers to the Governor (another game I’ve also only played with the same friends I frequent this bar with) and one of Travis’ rules is “Go Birds!” in the most Philly obnoxious voice. It truly is good to be home ?
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