Hi again! This week, we traveled to Knott County, KY, and Cocke County, TN. Over this summer I have met some incredible people, from staff to volunteers to homeowners. I feel so blessed to get to know these individuals even though it is for a short time.Â
ASP brings people together in the best way possible. It feels like a family, strangers feel like friends, and God shines through everyone who is involved. One of my favorite aspects of the summer has been spending time in fellowship with everyone. I love getting to know everyone on a deeper level than just “Hi, how are you?” People have been kind enough to get to know me on a deeper level, too. Â
Last week, I visited a homeowner, Ms. Nancy, who cooked a huge meal for the volunteers just to say thank you for the work they are doing for her. There was ham, green beans, cookies, bread, potatoes, and more, all on her dining room table. She made sure everyone, from volunteers to staff, who visited, got some food. As we were eating, everyone sat around her living room, talking about different topics and getting to know Ms. Nancy. She didn’t have to make lunch, but she did out of the gratitude she felt for everyone involved with ASP. Â
This week, I met some awesome volunteers who, right when we pulled up to the worksite, their crew leader came up to us and started talking to us. He stopped working to make sure that we felt included and welcomed on the worksite. He said his kids are interested in being on staff and explained how much he has loved going on ASP for the past two years. Fast forward to the picnic, I got to talk to his kids and them and others stood around in a circle after the picnic just chatting like we’ve known each other forever. Â
Also, this week, I met a homeowner, Ms. Rhonda, whose home was affected by various floods in Kentucky. ASP was able to build her a new home, and she is now all moved in. She welcomed us right into her new home and was so excited to meet us and show us around. We spent the morning sitting on her couch, talking to her. Her laugh was contagious, and she was full of light despite everything she had been through. Â
There are so many more I could talk about, but you’d be here all day reading. So those are just a few of the incredible fellowship moments I have experienced recently. My heart has been so full all summer because of these incredible connections and moments in fellowship this summer. The hardest part about it is that I may not see these people again, but their love, kindness, and friendship will stick with me for the rest of my life. Â
I have heard homeowners say many times that having volunteers help them gives them hope for the future and that they are still good people in the world. And I agree with that, but also the homeowners give me that same hope, their kindness, and how welcoming they are to everyone who walks through their door is something so special and so rare. It is something I do not get to experience a lot. Â
So spread your wings to get to know someone beyond the surface. Â
Until next week!Â
Haley Holcomb
Story Gathering Intern
