Welcome to Kentucky!
This week has felt both eventful and surprisingly quiet at the same time. Looking back, there wasn’t one huge moment that defined the week, but rather a collection of conversations, stories, and small experiences that made this week memorable.
Earlier in the week, I spent time in Magoffin County. While I was there, I had the chance to get to know the staff a little better and learn more about the projects they have been working on and do another homeowner interview. One highlight was getting together for a family dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. By “family dinner,” meaning just staff, but those are some of the moments I will remember forever. There’s something special about sitting around a table, sharing a meal, and getting to know some people you’re going to be seeing during the summer.
One evening in Perry County, some volunteers taught me a new card game. I’m usually ok at learning games on the first try, but it took me a little bit to get this one. I did have a lot of fun and am already hoping I’ll get the chance to play it again sometime.
As always, some of the most meaningful moments came from conversations with homeowners. This week, I met several wonderful people who were willing to share pieces of their lives with me. One homeowner told me about her grandson, who passed away less than a year ago. She spoke openly about the frustration of not having answers about what happened and not knowing if she ever will. As she shared her story, I found myself questioning how she still held onto her faith through so much uncertainty and pain. It was one of those conversations that stays with you long after it ends.
Something both counties had in common—besides having some great staff—was the number of animals at the worksites. I think I’ve seen more dogs this week than I have in a very long time. Some were friendlier than others, but they all seemed to have personalities of their own. One black lab wasn’t even technically a homeowner’s dog. Apparently, he had just decided that the worksite was where he wanted to spend his time during the day because he loves being around people. Honestly, I don’t blame him.
The animal stories didn’t stop there. While I was in Magoffin County, I noticed a tally mark system on the whiteboard and asked what it was tracking. It turns out the staff had been keeping count of all the turtles they rescued from the middle of the road. I was lucky enough to witness one rescue earlier in the week and have a video proof of it.
As the week comes to an end, I find myself appreciating the small moments more than anything else. From meaningful conversations to growing friendships—and from worksite dogs to roadside turtle rescues—this week offered a small glimpse into the experiences that could make up the rest of the summer.
Check in later,
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
