How often do you get to support a great cause and fulfill your inner adrenaline junkie?
I first started helping with Habitat for Humanity house builds in NC during college, as I scheduled volunteer time for “my girls” that I mentored in my resident advisor days. Giving back your time to whatever sparks a fire in your heart is one of the keys to a better life (in my opinion).
So in moving to Disney and Central FL in the late 1990s, I hopped around to a bunch of apartments early in my career but I consistently stayed involved with the Habitat in Osceola County whenever possible. I loved making a difference alongside other like minded people and especially loved the reward of seeing deserving families make their own dreams come true.
I admittedly am not very handy, but knew I had to take it up a notch for these families. There is nothing better than sleeping in your own home on that first night, so I dug in hard because they deserved only the best. I learned how to nail up drywall, apply shingles, paint baseboards, dig out landscaping, install cabinets, place flooring and much more. But the turnover ceremonies were always extra special and it never got old.
So in moving to Brevard County, I knew it was time to get involved again at a different level since my spare time was almost non-existent. So I set out to raise $1k to help Habitat reach their goal. And to celebrate, we got to rappel off one of the biggest buildings in Melbourne.
You would never believe it now, but as a kid I was ridiculously scared of heights. But event day, I was more than ready. I have rappelled off waterfalls in the dark in Costa Rica and off cliff tops in Alaska, so this was a seemingly simple task.
But little did I know, I would have a higher purpose that day. I was paired to go tandem off the side of the building next to a young female who was tremendously intimidated. She was getting very emotional and almost bailed on the feat. BUT after trying to calm her down, helping her tap into her inner strength, and finding out that this jump was actually raising money for HER families’ new home, she did it!! We were all crying and it was a big highlight for 2020.
You never know who needs help so be kind always!!
FearlessAdventures 