a story in the Story

Yesterday was one of ‘those days’- in a good way! (I'll do my best to hit the highlights knowing that I'm leaving out tons of details)

About a year ago I was asked if I wanted to help a non-profit remodel a house for emancipated foster girls right here in town (thank you Ben M). I had heard about this incredible woman, Laurie, at Saddleback (church) a couple years ago, then read her story in the OC Register and was so impressed with her desire and ambition. I fell over myself trying to say ‘yes’ fast enough and so we started. Because of that project, The Teen Project, the architect asked me if I wanted to play in the annual fundraiser for the local HomeAid chapter by building a playhouse. I went through that open door as well (thank you Greg B) and immediately found myself to be a very small fish in a very big pond. At the first intro lunch I was surrounded by nationwide homebuilders and their teams. Company names you would recognize. Eight of them. I came alone: "Hi, I'm J Steele from Black Diamond Builders" (who?). I found a seat by Caroline and we shared our stories.

Caroline was the daughter of the owner of the host of the lunch party and they donated all the hardware for the playhouses. I told her about The Teen Project and watched her eyes moisten as I described Lauri and her mission with these girls. She told me that she was mentoring a foster girl who would be emancipated in a year and they didn't know what would be next. (btw, the gov’t gives foster kids $ 200 and ‘good luck’ when they turn 18). I connected her with Laurie the next day. Hold that thought.

Also about this time I wanted to connect people at my church, TerraNova, who needed work. I started a group and met Tim T who among other cool things, turned me onto Twitter. My first tweetup was at Boneheads where I watched Rochelle interview Morgan, the owner. I knew (or more like, felt) that Rochelle had an amazing gift and so, as they say, I pondered these things in my heart.

Meanwhile, the summer was a near death blow to my business. I couldn’t donate any more to The Teen Project and another builder stepped in to finish (thanks Scott!). One of many humbling steps in the journey. We finished the playhouse out of sheer something! (definitely a story for another day) and alas, the day to auction drew nigh. By this time I had laid off everyone at work, including my wife and was struggling with money/identity/direction/etc. which you might pick up in previous posts here during that time. I invited Rochelle and Chelsey to the auction party and was overwhelmed by their delight and gratitude. As you know, she did her famous flip video and helped make the night very special. The video made it to the east coast to a national industry magazine, which impressed the locals enough to nominate me to give seminars on social media and to be the VP of Remodelers Council for SoCal. That’s why I say you can’t out give Rochelle- or thank her enough.

Fast forward to yesterday. The Teen Project ribbon cutting ceremony was at noon and I was impressed at the number of people there. I had thought of Caroline earlier in the day, hoping to see her there. I had no idea how big of deal it was. I had to park three blocks away and was stoked to have to walk that far, knowing how many people were either hearing the story for the first time or standing with Laurie and her girls for the umpteenth time. I have plaques from the city, state, and fed officials and was in a boatload of pictures. BUT…my highlight? I saw Caroline, she introduced me to Erika, we caught up and she wrote this email afterward:

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J –

Great to see you too! You guys really did an awesome job with the house.

I have met Lauri a few times now and she continues to be such an inspiration. She has had Erika in her home multiple times and her generosity and gift for these kids is awe-inspiring!

Thanks again for reaching out that day at the Project Playhouse kick-off. Had it not been for you, this cycle that God created for Erika wouldn’t have existed. God is Good All the Time.

Thanks again,

Caroline

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Erika is in the final stages of being accepted to live in this home!

Rochelle has continued to connect me to her community of inspiring people, including Paul who encouraged me to post this.

I feel like I'm living the dream - not the American dream (another story of contrasts!) but much bigger and life giving. Thank you all and God, the master dream weaver!