Ethan's Eagle Project

There are a few times in my life that I look back on as formative to my belief in love and human kindness. And those times build my faith in the power of friendship and the strength of our community. They strengthen my love for God and the organization of the Church...we are taught to show up for each other.

This day is now one of those days. I will never ever forget the way that these people came to help, stepped up with knowledge and patience. They STAYED. My word, the stayed all day. And it changed my heart. It made we want to love people better and show up when I'm needed.

The gazebo at Azria Heath is falling apart. The posts aren't stable and are literally hollow from weather exposure.

So for Ethan's project, we are replacing the lower structure of the gazebo and attaching it to the existing roof.

Ethan spent tons of time beforehand looking for materials and asking for donations on lumber and hardware. In the end, everything was donated by 84 Lumber. It was an absolute godsend.

Now...does anyone know how to build stuff?

John Garcia does.

Mitch Ranzenberger does.

And Brigham Tiafau....

Jack Taylor will make sure this gazebo won't fall on the residents.

Mark was everywhere, helping with everything. He is the best father EVER. 

Larrin Wada helping to figure out how to support the roof enough to start demolition.

Ross Terry always has a tool that helps it go faster and work better.

Todd Flynn stayed all day and did everything from assembled to reposition lighting fixtures.

Martin Guenther was everywhere too. Lifting, cutting, helping and advising.

And they all did it with patience and humility. Asking Ethan for direction and providing advice without making him feel like he wasn't the kid in charge. That's love, my friends.

There were more people there than could participate in the gazebo project. Did they leave?

Nope. They looked around and found a place to serve. They dug grass out of the paving stones and weeded the garden.

A labor of love.

A news crew showed up mid-day to interview Ethan about his project. It aired on the local news!

And right about the time some or the adults needed to leave and go take care of their families, Ethan's fellow-scouts started showing up.

Trey Stewart and Sam Mansker

Mike and Christopher McCauley installing braces on the posts.

This is my favorite photo of the day. It says it all.

The new posts and panels in place!!

It might be a miracle...it's up, it's solid. It's mismatched and looks homemade because it is homemade. But it isn't gonna fall down and it will protect these folks while they get some fresh air.

These are the last men standing.

I'm so proud of Ethan. It was a long day and he stayed in it. He handled the responsibility so well.