Hi again, from The Porch! We are wrapping up our two weeks of training today. There are so many emotions; we are tired, happy, excited, and eager, and we’re leaving The Porch with more knowledge than when we arrived.
These two weeks have gone by so fast! I have always heard stories about how special training on The Porch is, and I have finally had the opportunity to experience it this summer. And what they say is true: the energy, the smiles, the laughs, the conversations, the friendships, the knowledge gained, and God’s presence can all be experienced from a rocking chair. Being surrounded by like-minded people who love Jesus and want to serve others is indescribable and something I have always loved about ASP.
It’s easy for different chapters of your life to go by fast. But my goal for this summer is to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy where I am because this is a dream internship come true. So throughout this week, I have been trying to enjoy the little things training offers before we all spread our wings and travel to our counties.
If I’m being honest, I originally had a different direction in mind for this blog, but then we had the Talent Show on Thursday night. As I am sitting on the porch, the sun is setting, laughter filling the air, watching my fellow staffers get up in front of a hundred people and perform their talents, I realized this is an evening I want to remember forever.
As staffers performed their talents, this simple night of fun was going to further the connections made these past two weeks. I would have never known some could sing, do magic, know so much about rappers, love to paint, and so much more if we hadn’t had this night. It’s funny how much you can learn about others from a simple talent show.
Laughter and music echoed across the mountains as we enjoyed each talent. Smiles could be seen on everyone’s faces. Any stress and worry about what this summer could bring were wiped away for a few short hours. Little moments like this are what make ASP so special. The way we can be ourselves, love one another and God is truly amazing.
We all came to The Porch and ASP for a reason. God called each of us to serve this summer as staffers, bringing our ideas, personalities, experiences, and loves with us. This summer, I am lucky enough to know these wonderful people on a deeper level and cannot wait for the volunteers to meet the incredible staffers, too. We will take the friendships and memories made during training with us as we spread our wings throughout the counties of Appalachia, completing various tasks like home repairs, creating relationships with homeowners and volunteers. As Story Gathering Interns, Josh and I will capture these moments and relationships through our camera lenses to spread ASP’s message.
So, if you ever get the chance, spread your wings to meet new people, learn more about them, their talents, and their stories.
Until next week!
Haley Holcomb
Story Gathering Intern
