Hello, readers! Welcome to the final edition of Lighting the ASP Journey. It is incredibly surreal that we have reached this moment already. After thousands upon thousands of photos, tons of interviews, hundreds of stories, and a communities of lives changed, Appalachia Service Project’s summer program has come to a close. Reflecting on this summer has been such a joyous trip down memory lane, but also super difficult to put into words. As I write this final blog, heavy-hearted and teary-eyed, I can say one thing for sure, this journey has been a blessing to share. Â
This week has involved a lot of wrap-up work and final touch-up construction projects for volunteers and ASP summer staff. There were a few centers still functioning for their 8th week of volunteer crews. This past weekend was the moment all staff members got to meet on The Porch for the last time as a collective, close out summer tasks, and enjoy each other’s company one more time. It was so special seeing everyone reunite after a summer full of amazing memories. This summer, Haley and I had the opportunity to see how relationships and bonds are created through the nature of this summer job. These bonds are transferable and relatable across all staff in every county, and it’s crazy how even those who may not have seen a lot of each other this summer were still sharing laughs and having fun together just from that mutual respect and shared experiences throughout the summer.Â
The summer felt like it came and went almost too quickly. In retrospect, I’ve realized how, in such a short time span, so many impacts were made across this specific region of the country. This summer program is such a gift for the Central Appalachian community. When you think about how many homes were repaired, new homes that were constructed, and homeowners who got their lives back, it’s incredible to even fathom! And that’s just from the summer program alone. It really puts in perspective the amount of good ASP is able to do throughout the entire year. This is honestly such an outstanding non-profit organization, and the work they do couldn’t be any more meaningful. Â
This summer I’ve been fortunate to see and learn so much within this Story Gathering Intern role. I’ve learned so much about photography, videography, and storytelling, my interpersonal skills have grown immensely, I’ve gained a better awareness about the Appalachian community, developed deep relationships with various homeowners, and most importantly, I’ve built strong connections with some great people in this organization that I am going to be forever grateful for. I can’t begin to express how meaningful this job has been, and I am truly leaving this position with my cup overflowing. This summer’s journey is ending with a huge sense of fulfilment, and I never could’ve imagined the opportunity would’ve impacted me this much. Â
As I close out this final blog, I encourage everyone reading to find the light within your own journey of life every day. Although there are plenty of things that can keep us down in this world, there will always be a delightful joy somewhere along the way, and that’s what makes the journey we call life. I am honored that my summer journey with ASP has now been chronicled and documented for many to read and be encouraged that there are beacons of light in this world. I am grateful for everything I’ve experienced over the past couple of months, and I pray you all have enjoyed every bit of it with me. I guess this is it, God bless you all! Thank you. Â
Until next time readers, Â
Josh Adams
Story Gathering Intern
