Driving Southbound... Day Two

The morning was dark and misty in as our ASP group emerged from its overnight stay at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church, in Virginia. Within about 45 minutes we had left the building with little or no trace that we had been there. Then we were all in our cars and on our way.

Before getting back onto I-81 South, we stopped at a McDonald's to have a leasurely breakfast. This newer, high-tech Micky-Dee's had video displays with games at many of the tables--which definately extended our stay by at least 15 minutes.

The day-two drive would only take us 160 miles further, but with stops and winding roads took most groups about 4 hours to complete. We started with about 1 hour on I-81 to exit #1 near the Tennessee border. Then we went west on VA 421, a VERY winding two-lane that took us up and down through the beginning of the main Appalachian chain.

We wound through about 30 minutes of twists and turns over a first range to Gates City, then over another range to Pennington Gap, and finally we had some spectacular views as VA 421 went over a skytop pass on its way into Harlan (our local "town"). At Harlan we waited until it was 2:00 pm, and then drove the last seven miles down a deep valley into Evarts, Kentucky.

After taking about an hour to settle into our rooms (mostly classrooms in a fairly nice school building) we gathered outside to meet the Center Staff and learn the grounds rules. Dinner was tacos, refried beans, and rice. There was a lot of exploring to do and we all had a chance to meet other teams who had arrived from Indiana.

After dinner, two members of each work team (one adult and one youth member) visited their work site with a Center Staffer. We had a chance to see the project first hand and to meet the family that we would be working for (and sometimes with) for the next five days. Upon returning to the center, we had a chance to talk to the rest of our work groups about the specifics of the projects and the families.

The day ended with everyone cooling off and relaxing around the center. Some read books in their make-shift dorm rooms; others played wiffle-ball in the parking lot; and some played cards in the cafeteria. Just now, at 10:30 pm, I hear adult leaders announcing quiet time. At 11:00 pm it will be lights out.

In the morning, we'll all have a chance to visit our work sites and meet our families. Clearly, everyone is a little excited AND a little bit nervous. This is a very different part of our world. Tomorrow, we all get to see just how different it is.

Ray Ferreira