Health & Fitness
A 'Transformative' Experience
Bike and Build Leader Rachel Jodway recounts her days with Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity as they set out to bicycle to Vancouver, British Columbia, in the name of affordable housing.
Note: The post below was written by Rachel Jodway, a special education teacher from Ferndale, Mich., who is a leader for this year's Bike and Build Northern U.S. Route. Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity has had the pleasure to host the 33 cyclists from across the United States (and South Korea) as their first stop on a journey that will take them from Portsmouth to Vancouver, British Columbia, stopping along the way to partner with affordable housing organizations.
Our time with the Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity chapter these past few days has been such a special experience.
Our barbeque with Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity staff, Board members, volunteers, and partner families set the perfect tone for our upcoming adventures this summer. Meeting the mothers, fathers, and very special children that will be living in the houses we were able to spend time working on was a transformative experience for all of us.
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While our motivations in signing up for Bike & Build were varied, we all remarked at how touching it was to meet these families, hear their stories, and gain a better understanding of why affordable housing is such a compelling cause to be riding for this summer.
Not only meeting, but also getting to know the families we are building for makes all the difference in a build experience. It completes the picture of why raising money and awareness for affordable housing is so important. We wish each family happiness and many great memories in their new Habitat homes.
The abundance of food provided by Habitat for Humanity and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has been deliciously overwhelming. While we ate perhaps a bit too much, we’re well fueled for the many, many miles of cycling that await us over the next nine weeks. We cannot thank our hosts enough for their generosity, support, and hospitality.
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Bike & Build is so lucky to have such amazing people as the foundation and starting point of our route and we cannot wait to see you all again next year. All community members affiliated with Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Rachel Jodway
Bike and Build Leader
Northern Route 2011
