I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS.
& I LOVE MY FAMILY.
ASP is a mission trip I enjoy going on each year, It is usually the first full week in July. For the past two years just Daddy and I have gone but this year Anne went as well.
The center our group of 71 youth and adults from Bartlett TN stayed at was in Jeff KY this year. This was my favorite tear so far. The people of Jeff are just so sweet and humble. We loved them.
My Work crew was AWESOME. Eddie and Marshall were the group leaders and I was the young adult. Brianna, Clinton, and Alyssa were the youth. We loved our family. Our task for the week was to replace the floors in the bathroom, Kitchen, and laundry room in their trailer that had rotted due to molding. We also needed to install insulation to help keep them warmer in the winter. They had over 20 snow days this winter! CRAZY! Joann, Donny and their two boys Z, and I, were so loving. Joann is a social worker and Donny is a stay at home dad. They were such wonderful parents, and such wonderful people. Donny suffered from depression and Joann said through ASP volunteers working on their home the past two weeks he had been improving, but the week we were there he really came out of his shell. He opened up to Marshall and Eddie especially after we took out their floors. We had to out on masks as to not inhale the mold, and he was so embarrassed. This was the air his children had been breathing! He was so greatful for us to put in new floors, he was so appreciative. He kept telling us that once all the work was done he was going to clean the trailer from top to bottom and hopefully paint!
The best part of the week was when he told us that God has been answering so many of their prayers lately. He really wants to start going to church, and getting his kids really involved in a church. He says he wants his family to be methodist like us! :] I love that. They are absolutely incredible.
They needed a new toilet too and although it was not in ASPs budget Eddie bought it for the family, and Joann said she is going to think of us every time she flushes.
Since most of the week we are working really hard we always have a picnic at a local park that we invite the families to on thursday. Donny was sick and stayed home with I, but Joann came and brought Z. There was a pool and Z had SOOOO much fun with Clinton and I. It was 8 feet, and hes not a strong swimmer so we cought him on the slide probably about 20 times each. We were EXHAUSTED but had SO much fun! He is 8 years old and really bonded with Clinton. He wanted to be just like him. On Friday all of the workcrews were given a cross to give the family, and a blanket for each child. Clinton gave Z his blanket and he was SOO excited. He squeeled and said he loved it and it is his new favorite thing. He snuggled with it IN JULY for the rest of the day. He went in the bedroom the whole family shares and took off the comforter and sheets and put on his own blanket. He was soooo pumped about it. I was a little shy and spent most of the time we were there at the grandparents house up the hill, but we loved him too. It was sad to tell them goodbye but we know they will be so much happier, safer, and warmer.
Following tradition we left the center Saturday morning and went rafting on the Ocoee which is always a treat. It was Annes first time rafting and her and I sat in the front of our raft. We had a blast. Dad sat in the back, and always loves it too.
We got home Sunday and mom picked us up. :] She had missed us so much. We love her. She took us to eat at our favortie restaurant El Patron. She had picked up our rooms and put presents on our beds. Vera Bradley gift cards, Cute skirts from Banana Republic and 20 dollars from our Grandma. YEA! Thanks mom!
The week was great, I had a wonderful time with my family, My wonderful Boyfriend, and some great new and old friends. What a wonderful week I had serving the people of Appalachia and My God. :]
I love me some Stephanie McDonald and her CRAZY work outfits.
My Sweet Family.
He makes the week even better. :]
My fabulous work crew!
Jeff Mart. This place had it all. Soft serve, Tanning, Slush Puppies, Fried food, and all the other gas station essentials. They made some BIG BUCKS from our church. Such an awesome family owned buisness. We LOVED them.
Me, Daddy, and sister at the picnic.
Alyssa and I in the floor of the laundry room.
Marshall and Clinton workin' hard.
Me and the multi tool. I used this everyday taking out the floor.
Anne and Jake. :]
Again, The best crew ever.
I just love him. :]
Our Family and our crew in their living room.
Joann and Z with their cross and his own new blanket! He was soooo proud! Its going to make me smile on cold days this winter knowing that he is warm and snuggly!
Clinton, Z, and I happy to be at the pool!
LOVE.
