Hi again! This week was both crazy and amazing week! We traveled to Cocke County, TN, Wise, VA, and then I traveled to Clay County, WV, and Fayette, WV. Â
When I was in Clay County, WV, I got to do something pretty special in the ASP world. I had the opportunity to visit with my homeowner, Mr. Jerry, whose home I helped repair last year when I was volunteering in Clay County. We helped build a ramp for him so he could safely get out of his home and give him a safe second exit. Â
Mr. Jerry is a sweet older gentleman with a big heart. Every morning last year, he would wait on his porch for us to arrive. He let us use his bathroom when we needed to. Mr. Jerry also played the guitar and sang for us. My crew and I had great conversations with him last year, and it was hard to leave him. Usually, volunteers don’t get to see their homeowners again, but I had the very special opportunity to do so. Â
This year’s Clay County staff did some more repairs on his home, such as his kitchen, bathroom floor, and staining the ramp. My center director from last year, Emily, told me they were repairing his home this year too, and I was so excited because we had created a great relationship with Mr. Jerry. Last year, when I went to the bathroom, he asked me if I was the one who went to West Virginia University, and I told him yes. He then threw me a WVU hat and told me to keep it. It was the sweetest moment and gesture, one that I will remember forever. Â
So this year I wore the hat he gave me when I visited him. I walked in with the staff and he greeted me like any other staff that walks through the door. I then asked him if he remembered me, and that I was a volunteer at his house last year, and he gave me this hat. His face lit up, and he got up and gave me the biggest hug. It was such a special moment, one that not many people get to experience. We then spent the next thirty minutes chatting and catching up. He couldn’t believe I came back to visit. It’s moments like these that make ASP so special. ASP is a relationship ministry with construction on the side, as many staff from ASP like to say. And this moment is a strong testament to that. Â
I am overjoyed to have had the opportunity to visit Mr. Jerry again. So spread your wings to make lifelong connections with others. Â
Until next week!
Haley Holcomb
Story Gathering Intern
