Besides serving in CAP Community Development, I live in the Johnson House Volunteer Community. My housemates are some of my favorite people in the world. Everyone comes from a different background, and a different place, and that’s what makes it fun.

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted the Splendiferous Autumn Extravaganza at our house as Kate told you in a previous post. We invited the other two houses in the Sandy Valley region for a bonfire and lots of food. “Lots” is probably not a good enough description for the amount of food we had available. I think my favorite part was the roasted apples. Candice, Katie, and Jordan organized the logistics of the event, and the rest of us pitched in where we could. Harold, our volunteer life manager, even brought some amazing pulled pork to share!
It was great to hang out with the other houses, which we don’t get to do often enough. But I think my favorite part of the night was not the food, or the really amazing candle lanterns that Jordan made, but the way my housemates pulled together for one amazing event. Without the different talents of so many people, it would not have been possible.

Florida kid, trying to figure out how to get up the mountain!

This last weekend, Caitlin, Jordan, and I went on what I was told was a “hike.” It was more like scaling the side of a mountain! Okay, I’m being dramatic. I’m from Florida, where the terrain is flat, and therefore easy to hike. To sum it up: I’m a wimp. So when Jordan began leading us up a very steep incline, I thought this “hike” might end with me falling down the mountain.
After much maneuvering through branches and hurdling over rocks, we made it to the top of the mountain! At the top, there is what’s called the “Stonehedge” in Hagerhill, which is a grouping of rocks sitting on the top of the mountain. It was an amazing view! Caitlin took some pretty amazing photos too!

Jordan and Caitlin climbing a tree

Caitlin and me taking a break

Stonehenge!

I love living in the Johnson House; it’s never boring. Whether you want to scale the side of a mountain, play a silly game, or just need someone to talk to, you’ll always find someone to be there for you. When I’m away from my family in Florida, I know I have a family here. The short story is: I love my housemates. They make my life fun!
And wait until you see our Christmas card photo—it’s going to be fantastic!
"My friends are my estate."
- Emily Dickinson
Catherine Mack is a long-term volunteer in CAP's Community Development program. In case you couldn't tell, she lives in Johnson Volunteer house.