News from WV: Thursday Afternoon

Jimmy Garner wants to let people know...

Having an amazing week, being challenged in my faith as well as physically, which I love. I would just like to thank God for giving me this opportunity to be with these people this week.


John Hoey wants to let people know...

It's Thursday morning. It's been a wonderful week; hot, but wonderful. My crew comes from Virginia, Massachusetts, Indiana, Michigan and New York. One of my biggest fears this week was that my resident wouldn't want us, and the first day she was reluctant and wasn't there at all. We ended up helping another crew down the road who really needed help. By that afternoon we were back at our site, and everything's been great since. The resident has been gracious and generous, and my crew gets along great. Thank you for all of your prayers; they've worked wonders.

Kevin Brown wants to let people know...

So what do I think about Group Workcamp so far? Well, that's hard to say. I'll start out by saying that since the first workcamp that the Youth Group went on I was very unsure of whether or not it is actually worth it. This year Rob told me I was going to go. This was a great thing because chances are that I wouldn't have gone. I never thought it was worth it to give up a week of my summer to "help" people that I don't even know. After two days I realized that this is one of the best experiences ever. I get to spend a week removed from my life and just serve God. I left all my worries and troubles behind and I am all here to do whatever need be. I can completely focus on the job at hand and I know that nothing can interfere. These few days have been some of the most meaningful days of my life and for once I realize what devoting all your time to serving God and the less fortunate truly means! Even through I may not show it, deep down I know that I am truly blessed to be able to go on this trip and take part in this great experience.

Rob wants to let people know...

It's really hard to believe that there is only one day of work left. It's already Thursday afternoon. The week has been so busy, but things are going well. As we were arriving back at school today, some people were reporting that they have finished with their assignments while others are concerned that they won't be able to finish tomorrow. Painting seems to be the job that is hardest to finish. Many of the sites have exterior painting work that is slowed by lack of ladders and the occasional passing cloud burst. Despite short spells of rain, the work days have been good.

My crew is from all over. We have been building a porch and a wheelchair ramp for our residents, Shirley and James. Shirley has been with us every day, but James works as a truck driver and has been away all week. She is very enthusiastic, and has spent a great deal of her time, talking with us. Today she made us lunch: grilled beef sausage, corn on the cob and baked potatoes. Yum!

My crew is very good, and very hard working. They never sit. There are no "slackers," and they have managed to work out the plans for the porch and the ramp without too much input from me. It's actually been quite impressive. We expect to have no problem finishing our work tomorrow. I'm assuming that the weather will be like today. A day of rain would really complicate things for many groups.

Our Youth Group is doing wonderfully. We love being together, and there have been great times of hanging out, playing cards or Frisbee, and just laughing together. The highlight for me, once again, is the youth group devotion times. We seem to grow so close through this time. We sing and pray, and Kevin Capel, our chaplain, leads us through a session that is prepared by Group for us. These times have been so meaningful and it's great to see and hear what God is doing in this situation with these kids.

Thank you for your prayers and love. We are so grateful for BRC, our families and our friends. God has really blessed us, and this experience has only increased my sense of that blessing.