Pastor Dale's Blog: A Very Wet Day

As you will see from this blog, today followed a wet theme. First, there was a steady rain all morning that made it impossible for Elisabeth's team to finish the painting on the mobile home. They loaded up all the supplies and made the 40 minute trip anyway, because showers seem to come and go here all the time. But today was different. After waiting over an hour in the van for the rain to stop (they used the time to get ready for kids club) they came back down the mountain. They then held their last kids club with the local children. There the wet theme continued as Bailey got "wet" from holding a sleeping child who, well, had an accident.

The other team went with Dale and Sarah to the home of Joe and Tammy to install siding on their home. Joe described their location as about as far into the mountains as you could get. We drove past coal mines and twisty roads to get there. The rain made it a muddy mess around the house, but the team pressed on and almost completely finished the job. But the wet theme continued and we hope you are not offended by the funny stories below. It's part of life when you spend this many days together.

Tomorrow we go into Beckley, WV to experience a different side of West Virginia culture. We will visit a coal mine and an arts and crafts center.

We are tired and ready to come home, but it has been good. Thanks for reading, praying and supporting us.

Hello, this is Graham Blair.

This trip has been very humbling for me, as I see different people of West Virginia and their lifestyles. When I see the care that these people give, when they are so needy themselves, it makes me feel guilty for being so fortunate, and encourages me to aid others as a sort-of “duty to humanity” for the remainder of my life. I have learned to live like them, drinking dirty water and eating with the same dirty mess kit every meal. I have so much admiration for Agnes, who raised 13 children, many of which she still feeds (2 are paralyzed), and feeds an alcoholic, a drug addict as well. We helped build her a floor for her kitchen, and she was so kind, feeding us breakfast and giving us water whenever needed. We also helped paint a trailer, clean up a fire pit, and paint many tables. Tammy, for whom we constructed the side wall of her house, is also so influential, as she takes care of about 100 animals, including 11 dogs, 2 cats, a weasel, innumerable chickens and roosters, a ferret, and 4 horses. At kids club, I met and remember the names of about 10 kids, of whom Nazir and Shikira are the most memorable. These very rambunctious siblings remember my name and ask for me now, as I have played with them for four days. All of these things together have made these past four days an unforgettable experience, and a great time with my friends.

Greetings Everyone. It's Anthony.
Coming to the end of our trip, I have learned a lot about this community. It has humbled me to know how much we have compared to these people. I have enjoyed helping various people and getting to know the residents. Specifically, Ms. Agnes' generosity and compassion showed. All the little things that she did for us such as make us sandwiches and have a hot breakfast of biscuits and gravy waiting for us made us love and respect her even more. I couldn't get over the smile on her face when we finished the floor and her disappointment when we finally had to leave. Our building of the floor was a good relief from the burdens of her daily schedule. I know she will continue to be generous and keep on altruistically feeding her neighbors. I won't forget this trip and how it opened my eyes to h ow the world really is. I will learn to appreciate what I have significantly more when I return home.

Hi everyone! It’s Beverly and Alexandra.

The mission trip has brought up many new experiences. For example, today the moment we stepped out of the van to the worksite, we were surprised to see a horse peeing. It was rather startling and disgusting. After this traumatizing event, torrential downpour ensued. Nonetheless, we persevered and installed the siding to Tammy’s house. However, the difficulties did not stop there. On the ride back, Graham Blair really had to pee. On the roadside, he hopped out of the van and peed in the “Kentucky Wild.” We were all jealous Graham Blair made his “bladder gladder” in KENTUCKY! As a side note, at Kids Club (although our group did not assist in Kids Club today, we heard stories), a baby peed on Bailey. She reacted very calmly, making us all very proud! After this day with an underlying theme of pee, we can still say that we had a great time and appreciate the opportunity we have had here all week! (Graham Blair and Bailey

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