Welcome back, readers! I am proud to say we have made it through the second week of my ASP journey, and training has officially concluded! In reflecting over this past week, I would like to share how it has shaped my perspective towards the rest of this summer.
This past week, there was a lot of buzz on campus as everyone was preparing for load-up day. Load-up day happens at the end of training every year where summer staff head to ASP’s headquarters. There, they receive ASP vehicles, which they load with the tools and materials needed to operate volunteer centers and conduct home construction. From there, summer staff are honorably sent off, traveling to their various Appalachian counties, and setting their sights on making an impact in Central Appalachian communities.
Staff and management spent the last few days of training warmly embracing one another and enjoying valuable bonding time. Many knew this might be the last opportunity to see each other until the end of the summer, as they will be working on several homes over the next few months, ensuring that their homeowners have a place to comfortably live, laugh, love, and create more incredible memories.
As this week wrapped up, I began to look ahead to the exciting journey for ASP, which sparked a personal reflection of my own. Just as the summer staff are excited to go into the community and make lasting impacts for years to come, I am equally excited – and honored – to tell their amazing stories. The work of ASP truly stuck out to me, even before I received the offer to become a Story Gathering Intern. ASP’s mission to make homes warmer, safer, and drier is more than construction — it’s about preserving the stories held within these walls. It’s already clear to me how deeply this work will impact families across the region.
I can’t wait to get the chance to talk to people and hear their stories. It’s a part of my nature to be curious, and this drives my interest in learning what these homes mean to their owners. I can’t wait to hear how restoring these homes will positively impact their lives and the lives of their family. Storytelling is everything in this sense, at least in my opinion. The brick and mortar can only tell you so much, but getting to know the people it shelters and building that personal connection is what I value doing the most. I want to amplify the good in this world, and I believe this is a great way to do that.
This journey has also given me an outlet to pursue more traveling, which I’ve wanted to experience for a few years now. I’ve always been someone who loves city life, but I was intrigued by the opportunity to change things up this summer and travel more while taking in the sights and views the Appalachian region has to offer. From the illuminating hillside sunsets to the ominous, looming expanse of mountains, there is something to be said about nature and its pure state: it is breathtaking. God’s creation holds so many amazing places to explore, and I would love to see as much as I can.
In a sense, this internship has already opened my eyes to a new side of the world, being in Appalachia. Listening to a profound discussion about Appalachia’s history from Mrs. Stacie Fugate last week was very insightful. Hearing about the pride and community Appalachia’s population puts behind its region is admirable. As Haley and I traveled to our home base county Friday, we enjoyed some stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and parks. It felt to me like great foreshadowing for what we’ll experience over the next few months. I’m anxious to see what’s next in store.
I hope you follow along as I continue to light the journey of ASP through my lens and uncover the impactful stories here in Appalachia. Here’s to the start of a great summer!
Until next time readers,
Josh Adams
Story Gathering Intern
