We arrived at our site in Marion County Alabama on Saturday around 7pm, and walked into something that we wouldn't have ever imagined. Our site contact Terressa (aka Mother Terressa, aka Momma T) greeted us along with most of her family. We met her husband Kerry and two daughters. Her son was off doing teenage things with his friends, but hopefully we will meet them later. Terresa then walked us into the kitchen and surprised us with not only pizza, but a spread fit for royalty. Everything from cheetos to Moon Pies was at our fingertips. After some light gymnastics we went to our bunks and got trapped in them by a lighting storm. We chatted and watched funny videos on our phones and had a blast getting to know each other a little better. We went to bed laughing the whole time.
Today we woke up around 8, had some breakfast and packed our lunch (including the home made bread that Teresa's neighbor made for us) and met Mary and Greg, the Habitat contractors. After some introductions we drove to the site where we will be working for most of the week. It is actually the same site our Alternative Winter Break worked on while they were here; we will be finishing the house so the new owners can move in. We were given a great orientation by Greg and Mary (married 28 years BTWs) who told us all about the process of Habitat, from the application to the finished product. We learned of a town about five miles away called Hackleberg that was greatly affected by the tornados that past through here almost two years ago. We saw fields that at one time were completely forest, an area that at one point had 100 houses on it, with just 18 now standing and plenty of debris still on the ground. It was a very somber and sobering moment. 33 people died in the tornado that day, which was pointed out by one of our participants, that in a small town like that, it has devastating effects.
After an experience like that, it was time to eat. We headed back to Greg and Mary's house, where we watched many movies and learned Mary's favorite game of cards. They had done reconstruction to their home and it was absolutely beautiful. They showed us around their property where we got to see their lake and beaver dams. They also shared their homemade peaches, jam and pickles with us. After our rigorous games of golf, spoons and speed it was time to eat. The main course was pork chops cooked over onions and sliced potatoes with a side salad with fresh homegrown tomatoes. We finished up our night with some scary movie that should not be repeated. After we arrived back at our awesome camp sight we reflected on our day. So far we have met some amazing people who have treated us just like family (aka our Alabamily). We look forward to helping this great community while working along side such incredible individuals.
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