Hi from The Porch! My name is Haley Holcomb, and I am one of the Story Gathering Interns for this summer. I am so excited to start this new yet familiar journey. I have volunteered with ASP since 2019, completing five summer volunteer trips, attending the first ASP Youth Leadership Summit, and now taking this role as a Story Gathering Intern.
ASP holds a special place in my heart. Each year, these trips are my favorite week of the summer. God’s presence is felt so deeply in ASP that it is indescribable. Being able to help others and impact their lives is incredible. And now this year, I get to spend an entire summer doing what I love with the organization I love. Last year, on my trip to Clay County, WV, I connected with my homeowner, Mr. Jerry. He was an older gentleman who had lived in his home for years, making many great memories with his children there. Every morning, during lunch, bathroom breaks, and in the evening, we would visit and talk with him. One afternoon I walked inside to visit him, as we talked, he threw me a West Virginia University hat since he knew that is the college I attend. He had gone through his stuff to try to find it for me to keep. Mr. Jerry’s thoughtfulness and kindness will be one of my favorite ASP memories. He didn’t have to give me the hat; our conversations were special enough, but he went out of his way to find something that connected with me.
Although I am familiar with ASP as an organization, I was still nervous about summer staff training. There are new people, I am in a new role, and there will be new places. I am the type of person who needs to be reminded that change is good, and it’ll all be ok. So, with those nerves also came excitement; I get to make new friends, see new places, and be behind the camera all summer. I get to experience ASP through a new perspective with my camera. I have always had a passion for photography, telling stories, and creatively connecting with others. In this role, I have the opportunity to share people’s stories through interviews, videos, and photos. This will be special to me because I love ASP and enjoy sharing it with others.
I didn’t know what to expect or who I would see when I gathered on the porch. But when I got to the porch, I was met by Jane Cheema, ASP’s Director of Spiritual Programming, arms wide open, smile on her face, delighted to see me again. That’s when I knew this was where I was supposed to be.
As Summer Staffers gathered on the porch after their long travels, laughter filled the air. Jokes were made, conversations were had, and the start of life-long friendships began, simply from rocking in rocking chairs together on the porch. So many different conversations go on the porch, but the things that stay the same are laughter and the shared love for ASP. As you look around the porch, you can see people talking, getting to know one another on a deeper level or playing games or playing music with guitars, or doing crafts.
An encounter with a friendly butterfly inspired this blog series. During a training workshop where staffers gathered on the porch in rocking chairs, basking in the bright sunlight, a Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly fluttered around, landing on different people. This small encounter with a butterfly created smiles and laughter, allowing us to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Life can get busy sometimes, and we can get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life. However, my goal for the summer is to slow down, take in this new experience, and enjoy every minute. As the butterfly explored The Porch, it reminded me of how we as staff are beginning to spread our wings and will grow so much this summer. As staff, we will grow in our management skills, build new relationships, help others, and ultimately become better people. New things can be scary, exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between, but if we trust God’s plan and spread our wings, we will grow more than we ever thought possible.
As I go into this summer in a new role with ASP, I hope to spread my wings through sharing stories, taking photos, building relationships, enjoying Central Appalachia’s beauty and so much more!
So, I encourage you to spread your wings this summer in whatever ways you can. Grow a little, laugh a little, experience new things, and trust in God’s plan.
Until next week!
Haley Holcomb
Story Gathering Intern
