Lorenzo first stopped by our worksite about ten years ago when he was nine years old. At first he would just hang out and then he gradually began helping us. This year he was waiting for us when we opened the door in the morning and stayed until we closed the door in the evening. A few years ago Lorenzo and one of our members, Dino, formed a friendship that went beyond the bounds of Tutwiler. They now regularly text and talk to each other during the year. This year Lorenzo and I spent time working together and teasing each other. I got the idea of interviewing Lorenzo for this blog. I wasn't sure how he would feel about it. He is not a shy kid but I worried that he wouldn't know what to say or that he wouldn't be interested. I was so wrong! For days he walked a little taller with his head held high. "Casey gonna interview me!" I finally sat down with Lorenzo on Thursday. What follows is my interview of Lorenzo.
Interview with Lorenzo 5/22/15 Interviewed by Casey Christensen
Lorenzo is 19 years old and lives in Tutwiler, MS. We first met Lorenzo when he was 10 years old and he came to our worksite. He lived in Memphis a long time ago and he still has folks over that way. They came back to Tutwiler so his Daddy could work at Parchman State Prison. He lives with his Daddy, Momma, brother and sometimes his grandma. Also with a whole bunch of dogs.
What do you remember about the first time you met us?
I rode my bike over and helped move stuff. We was workin’ on that gray house over there.
Do you ever help with other groups?
It depends on how I feel. If I feel they good then I go over to help them. But ya’ll are the best in the nation!
Why do you like helping us?
It’s fun hanging around with ya’ll and gettin’ to know you.
Who are the people that you’ve gotten to know?
Dino, Mike, Nicole, Kristin, Casey, Natalie, Kathy, Bob and Jimmy. You fun people and you like to play jokes and sing. I heard you singing this mornin’ I was sitting out front and I thought I heard somethin’ I took off my headphones and heard you singin’, you good!
Why do you like working on houses?
If I want to build a house I can learn from here. I used to work replacing shingles if there was a hole in the roof. But, the guy died so can’t work for him no more.
Tell me about Dino.
He a funny guy. He pretty cool. We talk on the phone and text each other when ya’ll ain’t here.
(Dave walked by) Lorenzo said, he my Grandad.
What are some things you like to do?
I loves to play the drums! I play at my church and every now and then at the community center. I loves football! I play most every day if I can. Bulldogs is the name of my team, we undefeated so far since 2008.
Do you go to school?
I go to a 2 year school. I go to school at night and practice football at night. My coach works durin’ the day, so we practice at night. After my 2 year school I want to play at Valley State. Sometime they be on the tv!
What do you want to do when you finish school?
I want to go to Chicago! I’ll move to Chicago an’ be a street performer, playing drums.
After the interview I typed it up and printed out a couple of copies for Lorenzo. We sat on the porch and both read a copy. He was grinning from ear to ear. Dino later told me that Lorenzo ran over to the worksite with the interview in hand. Dino read it aloud to those on the worksite. Lorenzo was proud of the intervview I am proud to have been able to write the interview.
The other person that we've written about in this blog is Sarah. Here are some reflections by Natalie.
Another amazing week in Tutwiler has come to an end. There are so many amazing moments such as when we raised the first wall, the view of the house totally framed, and I ditto everything that has already been said.
July 2013, Sara watched as the slab to her new home was poured. June 2015, Sara will move into her new home almost two years to the day. I worked on Sara’s house last year and helped with finishing touches this year, and without a doubt the time I spent with Sara has had a profound impact on me. Every conversation with Sara began and ended with how excited and grateful she was for her new home. “I am so blessed,” and “thank you so much.” are the words I heard over and over. I said to her “Sara you have been waiting for two years!” “Yes Mam, and I thank God for being so blessed”.
You have heard about the gifts we bring to the people of Tutwiler, but the gift Tutwiler has given me is the true meaning of patience and gratitude. Thank you Sara.
Natalie
Finally a reflection from one of our fearless leaders, Nicole!
“You need to go to Habitat this year”
A few weeks ago during the end of the semester stress my office mate, Anita, said to me, “you need to go to habitat this year.” She followed that by questioning, “ You are going, right?” I looked at her and said with a smile, “Of course, I would not miss the trip this year.”
For many reasons that I do not wish to expound on, this year has been quite challenging both professionally and personally. I think that I have shed more tears since our last Habitat trip than I can recount. For those reasons, I needed to go on the trip this year. Not only was that evident to me, but also to those who have helped me cope with the challenges that I have faced over the past year. This trip refreshes me both emotionally and spiritually. After a week in Mississippi, I return refreshed and ready to conquer whatever challenges I may face. Now, I do not wish to deal with all of the challenges that my husband Mike and I have encountered over the past year, but I know that I have a renewed sense of empowerment after returning from Mississippi. There are so many aspects of the trip that are refreshing --- relating my volunteering work to catholic teaching, laughing like I have not laughed in months, pounding nails into a block of wood, and meeting the excited soon-to-be home owners. All I need to do is to think about Sarah’s infectious smile and that will help me overcome the challenges that I might face in the upcoming year. Plus, I know that my Sheil Habitat family will continue to be there when we build more houses for people in need and when we need support here at home. That is the power of this trip.
Here are some final photos!
Natalie
Chris and Sarah in our lovely accommodations.
Dave's new friends.
Chris
Mike locking the door.
Here we are!
I have really enjoyed sharing our experiences with all of you once again this year. Look for this blog again next year!
Casey
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