The beginning of our day started much like that of
Monday. We woke up to several inches of
snow on the ground that blanketed the mountainous landscape of Chavies,
Kentucky.
After a traditional Southern breakfast, we were informed that once again
due to the severe weather, we would not be able to go to the work sites.All schools in the area had been closed, as
well as other community activities being canceled.
Because we worked around the center yesterday, we were all aware of what needed to be finished, so we got an update from the staff and set out on our second day working for the Appalachia Service Project.
Some of us were part of the final steps in rebuilding the shed we tore down and moved across the property yesterday. After clearing the workshop of old siding, one group painted and repaired the walls of the staff apartment. Some of the group did not brave the cold, but rather stayed warm by working on the office filing system, putting all of the paperwork into spreadsheet form on the computer. The men in the group took part in mending and painting the fence on the steep driveway, having lots of fun with power tools.
After a long day of work, we dined on a traditional Southern dinner of soup beans, cornbread, and fried potatoes. A welcomed change from our normal dining, we all were grateful for the opportunity to take part in the tradition.
We decided
that after a short bit of free time that we would play games together as a
group. These games resulted in laughter,
bonding, and a time to relax for all who participated.
Today brought more than just service to the ASP chapter, today was a day of building relationships. Working with group members in such close quarters caused conversations to start, ideas to emerge and friendships to form. As a group, we feel richly blessed to be serving on this trip and to be serving with each other.
Story by Katie Matonich '08
Photos, captions and layout by Tom Harding '07 and Sarah DeYoung '07
(top) Tom Harding '07 of Grosse Pointe, MI and Marc Hong '07 of Salt Lake City, UT bear the snow and repair a fence lining the road to the Center. (middle) Katie Matonich '08 of Davison, MI and Heather Richardson '07 of St. Louis, MI work together to paint the interior of the staff workers' apartment. (left) All participants enjoy dining together at the Center in the company of the caretakers, Barbara and Don Mullens, and staff worker, Jeremy Pace of Atlanta, GA.
