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Appalachia Trip
Appalachia 2008
July 6th-12th
Check out Last Years Highlights and pictures below!
Closing Comments
I want to close this trip by saying that each of the students and leaders gave 110% in every aspect. I was blessed throughout the entire week. Everyone emulated God’s hands and feet. His love shone brightly throughout the entire team. I was so proud to lead this group and I know God was pleased also. Enjoy the rest of the summer, you all deserve it. Until next year!
Serving Him,
Beth
Day 6, Friday, July 13th
Friday found us anxious to finish as much as we could, at both sites. The Morris group was able to complete the painting, most of the drywall and under the direction of Paul O., fitted two “house size” doors into the trailer – not an easy feat! Cheryl prepared lunch for the group and Amanda insisted that they eat it on the shore of nearby Teter Creek Lake. We also discovered some hidden talents involving cherry pits and stems!!
One of the girls accidentally stepped into a bucket of tar ruining her shoes. Despite Beth’s objections, Jamie, taking time out of his work day, drove into town, returning with a brand new pair of shoes. It was another way of showing his appreciation for all the hard work that had been done.
The team really worked hard all week and the end results were a nicer home for Jamie and Amanda to raise their 10 month son. But more importantly, “spiritual seeds” were planted and some “spiritual wounds” were hopefully mended. As we departed from her home we prayerfully placed her in God’s hands and will trust that she someday will allow God back into her life.
The Weaver Church crew finished the furring strips, did some excavation and fitted a large tarp over the opening at the north end of the building. This wall was purposely left unfinished so dump and concrete trucks can drive in and unload their materials. Pastor Doyle and youth worker Raymond were very emotional as we finished up at the end of the day. They too were very appreciative of our efforts and prayed with us before we left. It was also a blessing for us to be touched by Pastor Doyle, youth worker Raymond, Darius, Brandon, Emily, Mary and many others that helped at the Weaver site. They were an example for all of us as they continue to walk patiently in faith, as God brings in the funds and the workers to complete “Noah’s Ark.”
Friday evening included the closing service led by the Sparks and the WV speaker Matt. After that, the First Friends youth gathered for a sharing time to reflect on their week. It was awesome to hear the students share from their hearts about the week.
Day 5, Thursday, July 12th
Philippi received several rain showers Wednesday and the temperature is noticeably cooler. We may have had too much fun yesterday as I noticed the boys in my room had to be awakened for breakfast – the first time all week. Although they weren’t moving very fast, they were 100% by the time we arrived at the job site(s).
The VBS group continued to entertain the area kids in the tent at Crab Bottom Park. They took Polaroid photos of the kids in an inflated pool and the kids decorated frames for their “water works” pictures. In the afternoon, Beth G. and the VBS girls joined the rest of their group at the Morris site. The group continued to prepare the walls for painting on Friday, worked on replacing windows and doors. The husband, Jamie, has worked on the trailer in the evenings, long after our team is gone. Thursday evening, in a show of appreciation, after he put the finishing touches on the floor, he left a large paper note on the floor that read, “Thank You World Vision”. These types of expressions make our efforts worth while for all of us.
The crew at the Weaver Church of the Nazarene completed hanging the OSB on the inside. It will serve as protection, behind the drywall, against basketballs, volleyballs, etc. We also began to cut furring strips and nailing them to the studs, all they way up to the top of the wall (20 feet). The folks at the Weaver church gave us a sign:
Thursday evening, we were treated to a picnic at the Crab Bottom Park, put on by World Vision and folks from the surrounding Barbour County area. Following the picnic, we loaded up the vans and traveled to both worksites, so the students could see what was happening on the opposite site.
If that wasn’t enough, Beth had a surprise birthday cake waiting back at the college for Dan B. We never did get his exact age, although the cake said “Happy 30th Birthday, Dan!” Way to go Beth, fill ‘em up with sugar, right before bed!
Day 4, Wednesday, July 11th.
Wednesday was our “off day.” We spent the day canoeing and rafting. We returned in time to attend a very uplifting evening service at The Light of Christ Church in Belington. Afterwards, the congregation treated us to a snack of fruit and veggies.
Quote(s) of the Day:
Julia B: After being “helped” into the river while white water rafting, “You can’t get any wetter than this!” Actually we did get wetter as it rained on us 2-3 times while we were on the river.
Canoeing
Today we went canoeing and this is what happened. After surviving our bouncy bus ride to the location, we headed out onto the river, ready to have some fun (or die trying).
Within in two minutes of being on the river, our three least experienced canoers were stuck, backwards, on some rocks in the river. After struggling for a few minutes, Kathryn decided to get out and physically turn the canoe around. From that point on, we zigzagged down the river, managing to only get stuck one more time.
Paddling towards small river rapids, Karen and Chrissee began to “freak out.” As the canoe splashed violently into the rocks, Karen completing stopped paddling and began to scream as Chrissee paddled for dear life. Kathryn just floated along amused until yelled at to paddle.
We began to get the hang of it and sped along into second place, just behind Melissa and leader Dan. The trail came to an end and our group finished exceptionally dry except for Kathryn managing to slide down the muddy hill after exiting the canoe.
Our experience proved to be a thrilling, semi-wet adventure!
- Chrissee C., Kathryn R., and Karen W.
White Water Rafting
The Ohiopyle Rafting Crew rose early and left the beauty of Alderson Broaddus campus for their guided tour. The trip consisted of several fearless leaders navigating winding roads and hairpin turns with lots of teenagers sleeping. Upon arrival the rafter were outfitted with state-of –the art, yet extremely smelly safety equipment (life vest and helmet). After a little instruction on the proper use of a paddle (also known as the Youghaganey war club), rafters found themselves casting down the middle of the river. However, the coasting did not last for long, and soon the real adventure started. Rafters encountered every obstacle imaginable: large rocks, small rocks, waves and “hydraulics” were all there to toss an unsuspecting rafter into the raging water.
The Pirates of the Ohiopyle made a brief reappearance and made sure that most females and Tim Beck took a swim. Since safety is a priority # 1, all rafters all FFC rafters bypassed Dimple Rock rapids and portaged around it. Dimple Rock is a class IV rapid was especially dangerous due to the low river levels.
Lunch, as always, was quite a unique experience. Cold cuts, fruit and cookies spread out on a rock, in the woods, off the riverbank.
The rest of the trip was without incident, with several fearless leaders navigating and lots of teenagers sleeping. - - Derek L.
Day 3, Tuesday, July 10th
Quote(s) of the Day:
Maryanne T: Right after whacking husband Scott’s finger with a hammer, while her and about six students were helping adjust a 4’ x 8’ sheet of OSB into place, “Not my fault!” Scott’s reaction is not printable here!
Chris H: “This has been the best trip so far… the food is so good!”
Leader Beth reported that 32 children attended Bible School at the Crab Bottom Park tent today. The theme was “Be Thankful…,” an appropriate theme for all of us. Rachel and Elizabeth F. led the kids through the craft which involved decorating a visor that each child could take home. (They also made visors for the FFC team that was working at the Morris site … thanks girls, they’re lovely and we are so thankful that they protected our noses from getting burnt!).
Leader Jeff reported that much was accomplished at the Weaver Church of the Nazarene. OSB was completed on the outside of the building! Congratulations to nail pounders Doug, Jason, Boni, Vanessa and Chrissie. Inside, OSB began going up thanks to Megan T., Derek, Janelle, and Julia with guidance from Scott, Maryanne and Dan. Also, after a lesson from Pastor Doyle, Doug, Janelle and Chrissie learned how to lay block. Elizabeth Hammers and Zach helped with insulation and setting up for the WV luncheon. Thanks guys!
After what felt like a slow start on Monday, things started rockin’ at the Morris site today. Tim and Beth led the drywall projects in kitchen and living room. Thanks to Karen, Melissa, Megan H. and Kathryn for hanging it! Cheryl and Deb led the charge and attacked the painting of the outside of the trailer. Elizabeth F., Rachael and Amanda (the home owner) completed the entire outside! Dayne and David helped Paul put in the front window and began preparing the way for one of the front doors. Things are on a roll.
Thanks to God for His help and strength! Thanks be to the parents who pray for us!
- Cheryl L.
Day 2, Monday, July 9th
Our first day of physical labor was great! Breakfast was at 7:30AM (yes parents, your kids can be bright and cheerful at 7:30AM on a Monday summer morning!) and we were off to Belington to meet our homeowners at the World Vision tent in Crab Bottom Park. We met our family, Amanda Morris and Pastor Doyle of the Weaver Church of the Nazarene. After separating the tools, the VBS team stayed at the park and the rest of us were off to our sites.
The Amanda Morris project includes replacing windows, hanging drywall and painting the home inside and out. Amanda and her husband Jamie have a four month old little boy and haven’t yet moved into their new home. Tim, Paul, Debbie and Cheryl’s crew dug into the project with much enthusiasm.
The Weaver Church of the Nazarene is adding a 40’ x 100’ multi purpose room that will eventually include an indoor basketball court (sound familiar?). Youth worker Raymond shared how their small youth group and helped to raise the initial $500 for the facility. Soon after, unexpected donations of money, materials and labor began to come in. It’s only through God’s faithfulness that the project has reached this phase of construction in a short period of time. The structure is already framed, covered in OSB and under roof. It looks a bit like a modern day Noah’s Ark! The job, led by Dan, Scott and Maryanne, includes completing the sheathing of the walls with OSB (inside and out). There was also some excavation work and we removed a safety railing from the roof. Once again the students rolled their sleeves up and dug in, despite the 93 degree heat.
The VBS crew, led by Beth, worked with about 20 youth at Crab Bottom Park and amongst other things, made door knob signs. In the afternoon, they joined the others to help at the Morris home.
After returning to AB College, the students enjoyed a much deserved swim followed by dinner and the evening program. We were treated to some music by a family band named “Sparks.” Speaker Matt continued his talk “The Good news is only good news when it’s good news.” He emphasized the good news is for the poor and reminded us that Jesus often spoke about serving the poor.
Its lights out time (10:45PM) and we look forward to a good night’s sleep and another good work day tomorrow. Thank you for all your prayers. I must get to bed!
 
 
Sunday, July 8th
The Appalachia team arrived safe and sound, without incident, in Philippi around 4:00PM. After traveling for over four hours, unloading the truck and finding their dorm rooms, the students enjoyed some free time. After dinner, we attended the evening worship service led by Matt from World Vision. His theme this week will be, “Good news is good news, but only if it’s good news.” He began with the story of the Prodigal Son and along with individual devotional booklets for each student, will continue to build on the Good News theme all week.
After the service, Mrs. Gantz surprised everyone with their favorite treat. Enthusiasm is high and we ended the evening with two songs from our own worship team (David, Chris, Meagan and Doug). World Vision rules, lights out at 10:30PM.
Tomorrow, we’ll visit our sites for the first time to begin our projects. We have two projects, the Amanda Morris family which includes repairs to her mobile home and continuation of the Weaver youth building in Junior. We’ll also have a small group running a Bible school at Crab Bottom Park in Bealington.
Please pray for safety for our teams, strength in the 92 degree heat on Monday but more importantly, pray for the Amada Morris family and the youth that will touched by the new youth facility and the VBS.
 
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