The Joys of Carpentry

[Django]

I think some of my most enjoyable as well as most "constructive" experiences I had in school and college have been my experiences with capentry/woodwork/shop. In high school, I had a great time making all sorts of nifty, useful stuff in carpentry class. In college, one of the most enriching experiences of my education was participating in "Habitat for Humanity" as a volunteer construction worker/carpenter. We did all sorts of useful work for low income housing dwellers in the Appalachians--stuff like roofing, repairing porches, and other such work. It was truly a rewarding experience to be out there working with friends in a church-sponsored project (the church being All Saints Chapel, the Episcopelian chapel of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tn., where I went to school). In fact, the chapel also sponsored a trip to Kingston, Jamaica, one spring break, where we had a blast--working on a construction project involving repair work after a recent hurricane in the region, and also hanging out at the beach and generally having a good time with friends. Great memories. I also spent one winter break working at a small woodwork store near my university, again through a friend at the church. It was a fantastic experience, though more automated, large-scale production. But a really neat experience all the same.

Anyone out there with cool experiences working in carpentry or woodworking?

[Caitlyn]

Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization and I’ve worked with them numerous times… but if you helped them when you were in college, that was over 10 years ago (according to your introductory post)… Have you volunteered anymore of your time since then? I know there is a branch in the Bay area.... And I thought you had only been in the US for a few years?

[Django]

No, unfortunately, I haven't been involved with them since college, though it's a good idea on your part to get back in touch with them. Once my life develops some degree of stability, I probably will! Incidentally, are you keeping tabs on me for the heck of it or because it gives you some sort of cheap thrill? :laugh: As for being in the US, no, I've actually been in the US for several years, off and on.

[Caitlyn]

No… I’m not keeping tabs on you for some kind of thrill… just trying to wade through the bull****…

[Django]

It seems that wading through bull**** is your favorite pastime! :laugh: ;D

No bull**** from me, though! Just the honest truth!

Anyway, the purpose of this thread was to talk about my educational/growth experiences and not my current experiences! Do you have any interesting educational/growth experiences to share? How was your experience with "Habitat for Humanity"? I used to have a great time hammering roof shingles while balancing myself precariously on rooftops! Those were the good old days! *overcome with nostalgia*