Hi readers! Welcome back to a new installment of Lighting the ASP Journey! Itās been another heartwarming, fulfilling week with lots to enjoy and share. This past week, weāve visited Wise Appalachia, Virginia and McDowell County, West Virginia. We met a lot of great people and heard a lot of special stories, and I would like to talk about just a few things that personally stuck out to me.Ā
Haley and I had the opportunity to meet more great homeowners and volunteers, and a trend Iāve noticed is that these interactions are always emotional. Itās really touching when these individuals open up to us and share how powerful ASP has been in their lives. Each week Iāve come back increasingly humbled and just grateful for the chance to experience these moments but also realizing that there are a lot of people in need, and it sort of hurts my heart. Iāve had a lot more people to pray for recently, and I implore you all reading to lift the Appalachian community in prayer as well. Although there are many lives ASP has been able to bless this summer, the truth is there are more houses that arenāt able to be worked on. And we want Godās blessings to continue flourishing at the homes weāre repairing even after weāre gone. I encourage everyone to just keep those in need in your hearts and prayers. Another good way to help is through supporting these amazing programs like ASP whether it be volunteering, spreading the word, or contributing to the organization anyway you can. That helps us reach more lives and have a bigger impact! Ā Ā
Last week we got to know a wonderful woman named Juanita, who is getting a house HUG and roof repaired. She lives by herself but often talks to her brother, who was very excited for her when she found out ASP was going to be working on her home. She applied for ASPās services about 3 years ago, and this year she finally got the yes on her application one day after a store run. As she was recounting the story to us, she began to tear up and cry. The moment was so emotional that it began to move me as well. She was utterly grateful for ASPās services and couldnāt thank the volunteers enough. This sweet woman has survived various health conditions, and experienced reduced mobility over the years. She canāt take care of the house how she normally has and certainly isnāt at a place where she can do her own home repairs. ASP and these volunteers are helping her home stay intact and livable for years to come, and she expressed it means a lot to her. Sheās lived in McDowell County for a long time and canāt see herself living anywhere else. Her emotions truly sent a wave of happiness through my heart that day, because I can imagine how joyful she must have felt when she got her application’s approval. I know it must have meant so much to have all the kind volunteers rally around her in such a special way.Ā Ā Ā
I met another great homeowner named Nancy who showed me the true embodiment of Godās love. When I arrived at her house, I found it so unique. It had bright green exterior paint and the yard was decorated with white painted tires filled with various plants in the middle. From the moment she opened the doors of her home she was kind, warm and talked to me as if I was one of her own grandchildren. Mrs. Nancy is getting her roof repaired as well, and she couldnāt stop talking about how thankful she was for the volunteers. After lingering around the house for a while talking about the repairs and checking out other parts of the house, we prepared to leave. She wished us safe travels as we continued our journeys, but she did something else that I didnāt expect. As we were walking towards the door, she stood behind us and said āNow whereās my hug? Yāall canāt leave here without hugging me!ā so we came back and as she hugged me, she said āI love youā. That was something I didnāt expect. I met Mrs. Nancy not even 30 minutes ago, and she was telling me she loved me. That really made my day. To me, itās a great representation of how nice everyone in Appalachia seems to be. They treat strangers like family, of course as long as youāre friendly! I really appreciated that from Mrs. Nancy. Her kindness lifted my spirits that day. She reminded me what Godās love is like. Though we are strangers to him through sin, still he loves us, no matter who we are. Ā
Something else Iād like to talk about from my experiences this past week is the mindset of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Mundane routines are something we easily gravitate to, and sometimes thatās a great thing to have. There are also times when itās beneficial to shake things up and find yourself in new situations and different environments to broaden your understanding of others, and the world. This entire summer has put me a bit outside my comfort zone, and I have continued that trend of trying new experiences even this past week. I challenge you readers to do the same. Itās okay to be uncomfortable sometimes. Itās often the time you learn a lot more about yourself and in some ways put yourself through a period of growth. Being uncomfortable is only a temporary feeling, but blissful memories can last a lifetime. Having that chance to push yourself or place yourself in new experiences could impact you in so many positive ways that you wouldnāt even imagine, so find that new journey!Ā Ā
This past week was filled with so many positive emotions, and Iām thankful for every meaningful moment I was able to witness and share. I am excited to visit the next two counties and see what amazing moments await us there. As always, I pray you all have a blessed week!Ā
Until next time readers,Ā Ā
Josh Adams
Story Gathering Intern
