Work Day

  At 7 a.m. sharp the parking lot swarms with volunteers. They cycle through registration and the breakfast line. Clusters of yellow shirted people sip coffee and wake up for the day ahead. 
  
     
Next everyone gathers to get inspired and directed.    
     
  Then it is time to go. By van, car and foot everyone enters into Compton.  
     
By 8 a.m. each group of volunteers arrives at their sight for the day. They take it all in, slide on their work gloves, and prepare for instruction
    
     
  Organization is key. The leaders at each site have spent countless hours planning and preparing so that the work day can be efficient.  
     
The volunteers work to clear the yard of trash and weeds. They get dirty together loading the dumpster .     
     
  Conversation flows like paint and friends enjoy each other.  
     
A brush for everyone, the volunteers see where they are needed and join in.    
     
  There is always time for a water break and a hug from the homeowner. Relationships and porches are built on a workday.  
     
When the work is done it is time to clean up. The brushes are rinsed, the plants are watered, and the everyone steps back to celebrate their handiwork.    
     
  By 12 noon it is time to grab a slice of pizza and reflect on a great morning. It really was fun!  
     
At the end of the day, something truly beautiful has happened.