Here's a little diddy

So we are voting on grant applications in the next couple days. I have been impressed by the riders interest in the each of the organizations that applied and I'm excited to begin discussing the merits of each applicant, but I also realize that through this process we are doing more for the affordable housing cause than the direct effect of the money we raise.
A lot of food and supplies were donated from churches across the country in order to help make this trip possible. At each town we rely on strangers to lend a hand; maybe feed us a small meal and provide us with a hot shower. In economic terms, that's probably a lot of money that was donated in the form of hot water for showers, casseroles, and air conditioning. At times I worry that the food, water, and hospitality are not going to our cause. We're using them for our own benefit and therefore reducing the money that could flow directly to affordable housing groups.
But I think that misses the point of the trip completely. As the website says "Bike & Build fosters leadership and lifelong philanthropic service in our participants" and I think that's true. The participants could be riders or community members, but in all cases the trip is inspirational and hopefully inspires a longer lasting donation to the cause.
I love the comment that I've heard more than once on this trip - "Don't listen to what they're saying about young kids today! You guys are really doing something great and that gives me hope for the future." I'm not sure who is talking about young kids and I don't know what has been said, but I'm glad we gave some hope. I know the trip is going to in some form re-orient my career path toward service and I hope it may have similar effects on the riders and the people we meet along the way.