Welcome back, readers! I’m excited to share with you all another week in the books of my ASP journey. This week has been full of traveling and making more great connections. There’s been so much to smile about, and I believe God has truly made his impact through the Central Appalachian area, and within my own heart. Â
Haley and I started the week in Nicholas County, West Virginia. The staff there was amazing, and we had lots of fun with them (and the visiting staff too!) Not only was the staff amazing, but the group of volunteers they had was really awesome too. I had a lot of fun hanging out with all of them at their sites. We heard a lot of incredible stories and even discovered some cool family roots throughout several different work crews. I want to give a special shoutout to Kara and her mother Wendy; their groups were so fun to be around during the few days we were there. You guys rock! Â
We also had the pleasure of meeting a couple in Nicholas who already had their project completed by ASP a few weeks ago! It was great to get that unique perspective once again from homeowners who have physically witnessed the completion of their wonderful home repairs. After speaking with Mr. Chuck and his wife, Lynn, I felt even happier about the fact that ASP was able to give back to them. They do so much for their community back home and communities across the country. During our home visit, Chuck gave us a quick rundown about a special event they help put on every single year called Run for the Wall. It’s essentially a 10-day motor cycling marathon that starts in California and travels all the way through the country, ending at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. They do these rides to honor former and current American soldiers, prisoners of war, and those who are still missing in action. The program is fueled by their motto: “We Ride for those Who Can’t.” Chuck told us that he got involved through searching for an alternate way to give back and honor his country after not being able to join the military. Since its inception in 1989, many people have come to participate in this event, from former veterans to relatives of veterans to federal judges to state senators and many more. Anyone is welcome to participate in these runs, Chuck said. It is such a special and honorable event, and talking with them, you could feel the sincere passion in their hearts and how God’s love shone through them. Mrs. Lynn was had such a southern kindness to her, offering us homemade sweet tea and little treats as they invited us into their home. They were such genuine people, and I was thrilled that they were able to settle in so quickly with the new additions and repairs to their home.  Â
My cup was just overfilled this week because I also got to revisit someone whom I’ve written about in my blog before, but this time it was even more special. Haley and I traveled back to Wise Appalachia, Virginia, to visit Mrs. Nancy again and interview her about her story and her longtime history with ASP. I knew the rest of the day was going to be great the moment we walked into her house. We were met with a dining table full of home-cooked dishes, sides, and sweets! Mrs. Nancy and her daughter made for the volunteers and ASP staff. It was such a touching act of kindness, and may I add that they absolutely outdid themselves. The food was amazing! One of Mrs. Nancy’s great-grandsons also baked some cookies, which were also delicious. I was grateful for the sweet gesture they did for everyone; I know it meant the world to me and everyone else there.
During the interview we did with Mrs. Nancy afterwards, I learned so much about her, her family, and how far her history with ASP goes back. Nancy has been blessed with 7 kids, 13 grandkids, 10 great grandkids and 8 great great grandkids! She also raised her sister’s 6 kids too. ASP actually worked on her house about 50 years ago! She couldn’t quite remember how she heard about ASP, and once she explained how long it had been I couldn’t even blame her! I found it amazing that ASP had worked on her house so close to its beginning years. She has truly had such a blessed life, and it made me so excited to see some of the projects the volunteers were working on since Week 1, getting closer and closer to being complete. As always, she wouldn’t let me leave without one of her great big hugs and telling me that she loves me before I walked out the door. I’m glad I’ve made the connection that I have with Mrs. Nancy, she is truly as special as a person can be. Â
This week’s adventures truly gave me a feeling that’s hard to describe, but the best way I can put it is that the week was heartwarming. From the homeowners to the volunteers and everything in between, there was so much light being shared by everyone. They are the true guides of this ASP journey. Their light shines so bright week in and week out, and there are always so many stories to tell. I was more than blessed to witness these experiences, and as always, I’m even more grateful I get to share them. As we approach the back half of this year’s ASP summer, I hope you all have enjoyed these blogs, and I can’t wait to share more of the awesome things this program will do. This week should be very exciting as Haley, and I will get to cover some unique ASP events. I hope everyone has an amazing week this week and talk to you soon!Â
Until next time readers, Â
Josh Adams
Story Gathering Intern
