Team Pago Pago 1 and 2

At the Pago Pago (1 & 2) site, many projects were occurring simultaneously.  Outside Big John and an assortment of teenagers finished framing and screwing in the first platform of the wheelchair ramp for the homeowner Theresa.  Although the rain slowed down, Ben, Kira, Kalyn, Sam, Chelsea and Erin managed to have a mud fight in the first ten minutes.  After a lot of grunting and elbow grease from inside on the second project (a flooring job), Laura, Matt and Sam manhandled a piece of OSB into submission and "gently removed" more rotted floor boards.

The rain really put a damper on the group's work and before they knew it, it was time to eat lunch.  Since it was the last day, we went to Wendy's to celebrate of course, once we arrived it stopped raining.  After a nutritious lunch at Wendy's, our team went back to work.  Hippie John (as opposed to Big John or Johnny O) was the MVP - most valuable plumber.  He hooked up the new sink, cut the counter tops and installed the new sink for a relieved Theresa.

As the day wore on, Sam, Kira and Zach played with the two grandchildren Deanna and Alexis, while Chelsea cared for the dog next door.  We wrapped up the day by saying good-bye to Theresa and the kids.  As always, the last day is bittersweet, but all members of the crews should be proud of the project they completed this week.

Ben Dettleback

Pago Pago 2

Our crew is working on a kitchen floor and a wheelchair ramp. We had a slow start at first but the enthusiasm of our crew is endless. We are having a great time with each other and have shared many laughs. Our homeowner is appreciative of what we are doing for her. As usual, the experience is amazing and has opened our eyes to what we are grateful for. Tomorrow is our last day and we can't believe how fast this week has gone. We were enriched with excitement today when the piece of wood meant for the kitchen floor fit perfectly today. Our crew got not only the posts up today but a big part of the wheelchair ramp. We just got back from our picnic and even though it was rainy, we enjoyed ourselves and shared smiles as well as food. Our nights have consisted of ice cream runs and intense dodge ball games. My crew is combined with another crew and I couldn't have asked for a better crew to work with. I have learned so much about the people I'm spending so much time with and the memories we have shared will be cherished. This week of ASP is a week I look forward to for a very long time, and I love every single person on this trip. My crew leaders John and Mike are the greatest, and I'm working with my best friends Erin, Sam and Kalyn. We are combined with Laura, Matt, Ben, Zach, Kira and Matt and we have had such a great time together. Speaking on the behalf of not just myself but our whole crew, we are having a great week and can't believe tomorrow is Friday. We plan on finishing our project and doing it with a smile. I am so grateful for getting to experience ASP every summer and I wouldn't have it any other way. This group of people are the most amazing people I have ever met and they never fail to make me smile. We are all safe and miss everyone at home. God bless.

Chelsea Sebastian

Team Ottawa: Dave D., Jill D., Caleb S., Kevin S., Danielle H., Becky C.

            Our first day started fast we had the van packed and ready to go almost right away. We went out to work on this nice ladies trailer, our job was to put up the mettle skirting around the building. As soon as we got to the site we started work,  making measurements and cutting metal. The job was done just before lunch with no problems. Since we had finished our work we where sent to work with a new family for the next day.

            Our second day we started just as strong as the first, the car packed with our tools and ready to go. We left the center and arrived at a trailer park. We pulled up and met the family which was very nice and polite. They pointed us in the right direction and we set up our supplies. Our first job was to fix the pluming in the kitchen sink. Putting the pipes in the right places was like a big jigsaw puzzle. But with the combine effort of our crew we solved it and finished that job. Our next order of buisness was to put down a new floor. We first gave each person in our crew a job perfect for there skill set to make every thing move as quickly and smoothly as possible. First we set down luan to get a flat and level floor than we worked to measure out and cut the tile. We finished cutting the tile in a timely fashion but we had to cover the screws in the luan with floor leveling compound. With the leveling compound in the screw holes which needed to dry and there was nothing more to do that day we started to pack up. As we packed up we new that we had done a lot that day. We hope to finish our work soon.

From team Ottawa

Caleb Shafer

Team Khartoum II

Our task is to fix leaks in our homeowners roof and to build a safer staircase inside the house.

Our homeowner is Bill and Annie – Consider themselves newlyweds after 8 years of marriage – they are a wonderful funny pleasurable couple to work for.  We can not forget Bobo the family dog – he is there every morning to meet us.

Nick Weaver – As my first year of ASP I have already found a loving interest in helping others.  When I arrived at the work sight I was blown away by the quality of the houses compared to ours.  As I started building the roof I realized how good I have it at home.  I know I will come back again I cant wait 'til next year.

Jeff Alplizar – This being my first year.  After the 1st day at the sight fixing the roof – it made me feel I am lucky to have what I have.  After working on the roof it made me want to do ASP again next year.  It makes me think I can help a lot of different people.  I'm glad I came.

Emily Bowers – This is my 2nd ASP trip.  I built stairs for our homeowner.  I can't wait for Bill to use them in his house.  If I had a choice my most favorite job is putting the roof together.

Rachel Shaefer – This is my 2nd ASP trip – I am very happy when there is a lot of work to do so we don't have to stand around.  I was chosen to go on the house inspection on Sunday – to be one of the 1st to see the job and meet the family we will be working for.  I thought I would see a big roof that we would have to remove but instead we had to build a roof on top of another roof.  I have a sense of accomplishment when my ability to cut wood to the measurement needed AWSOMELY.

Team Flying Fis Cove 1

Crew:  Jack Guild, Lori Bowers, Connor Dempsey, Taylor Gram, Arthur Ringsen, Kim Hutchens

Homeowner: Robert

We drive 1/2 hour to our site, starting out on a highway and ending on a dirt road.  We are removing tin siding and are replacing windows and doors. Our crew is working hard and has accomplished more than expected too.  Our homeowner has been helping us with the repairs and has become an active leader in our crew.

Emily DeMouth

This is my first ASP and it was a little different than expected.  My crew was assigned a house that was 30 minutes away and a lot different than home.  When we got there there was a lot of dirty work and cleanup to be done.  We did stripping of the siding all day and put insulation and boards over it.  Today I thought was better. Taylor and I had to empty out an entire room of waste deep clothing out a wall that had been taken out, onto a tarp.  At the end we found a mouse underneath everything!  Then we ripped up the old carpet and floor boards and "sistered" the old frameworks underneath the floor.

Taylor Gram (continues)

Ripping up the floor was fun.  We had to use a sledge hammer and Emily couldn't make a dent in it.  So I took over and made a ole in five seconds.  Robert, our homeowner was laughing hysterically at the sight.  Working with Robert is a blast.  He is one of the nicest people we ever met.  We can't wait for tomorrow to work with Robert and see what surprises come up.   

Team Ouagoudogou

John Almendinger

John Almendinger, Yvaonne Craven, Kathleen Mulvahill, Stacy Brenes, Jenna Diefenbacher, Eric Holtz.  Although we are not roofers we are installing a tin roof. Quite surprisingly all is going very well.  We probably will be finished with our project by Friday.  Our homeowners Sam and Eva are wonderful people to know and a plus for me is that Sam is a banjo player.  He and his band actually played for our group Tuesday, Culture night.  I now have the opportunity to play guitar with him at lunch time. Thank you to all our BBPC friends for you prayers and support.  You are here with us. 

Stacy Brenes

What I've go to say (about the trip) is nothing new and is probably something you all have heard.  But being here is inspiring.  It reminds you of the way life should be.  You go to bed knowing htat you tried your best, and are filled with hope for the day to come.  You wake up, filled with the spirit of confidence and determination to get through whatever task you face.  The nature that engulfs you reminds you of God's glory and perfection.  It reminds you that he;s given you a purpose.

Being her reminds you of suffering and sorrow; but it reaches you that faith, joy and love triumphs over it all.

Team Khartoum

Adriana Biedermann

Sunday we finally arrive at our ASP Center.  This year our teams are named after Capitals of Countries.  We are Kahartoum, yes the capital of the Sudan, where the temps average 99 degrees and could exceed 127!  Yes, I think we may have actually reached Kahartoum. 

We drove long enough and it is hot enough.  I can only hope that the Lord has heard my prayers and the heat will break before tomorrow!  Our first sleep in the Warfield Middle School is actually too cold.  Who would have thought to pack sweatpants, long underwear, and a hoodie?!!!?  It rains Sunday night and Monday morning we are down to mild 80 degrees almost no humidity and a nice breeze.  Thank-you Jesus!

We are off to meet our homeowners and even though this is already week five of ASP this is the first week ASP is working on their home.  Bill and Annie's house consists of a trailer attached to a house with an addition attached to the left side of the house.  The addition was built on cinder blocks and because of this the whole room is beginning to lean and is actually in danger of falling off.  And because of the different "add ons"  they are experiencing leaks in every part of their home.  We would also need to try and repair the roof.  Well surprise, who's going to do all this?  Me, Chris and four kids???  Double surprise we will be a two crew group and Andy's crew will be working with us.  Unfortunately his crew consists of 2 boys, 2 girls and the two boys are "newbies".

I sit here and think I'm Paul's message to the Hebrews, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of the things not seen."  I sure had put alot of faith in my friends and fellow ASPers that we would be able to raise the funds needed, but now what about Bill and Annie?  Could I be as faithful as them watching some 14 & 15 year olds taking off my roof, cover it with a tarp and hope they know what they are doing?  Bill and Annie are terrific.  They are warm and hospitable and like to bring their "chairs" to sit a spell and talk.  I believe they find us all very musing, but I can also tell that they have faith in us, which is pretty good motivation for me to continue our work. 

Sydney Hamilton

ASP is a great experience to help out Bill & Annie, the homeowners.  They are so nice and great.  Bill is hilarious and is a great story teller and he was so nice that he let us eat his fresh onions from their garden.  They have the cutest dog named Bobo who provides great entertainment wile we were on reaks.  I hope we stay in touch with this really nice family. 

Jamie Owens

This year it is my first ASP trip.  I've heard a lot about ASP for years and I was finally allowed to go this summer.  My crew is working on leveling a part of a trailer.  The homeowners, Bill and Annie are really friendly.  I can already tell by the 3rd day of ASP, that it is a great experience. 

Jon Adams

For this being my first trip as an ASP member I am having a wonderful time.  Billy and Annie the homeowners that my ASP group is helping this year, are really showing me what Southern hospitality is all about.  I am glad to finally join this wonderful organization that gives back to people that need it most.  I hope to be back next year to help more people.

Danika Yacik

ASP has always been a time for me to get away from the crazy busy life I lead in Middlesex.  A time to get into the country and help those who are less fortunate than myself. A time to learn new skills I otherwise wouldn't have a chance or a reason to learn. 

A lot of the time people focus on the projects.  What we do while were this here.  But there's more to this trip than plumbing or digging ditches. There's people.  So for my favorite part of ASP this year has been sitting back, chatting with our homeowners, Bill and Annie, while watching their dog, Bobo trot around the yard.  They've taught me a lot in these few days. They may have a leaky roof and a lopsided laundry room, but they ave a love for life that I think a lot of people back home miss out on.  Every morning Bill goes outside and sits on the porch of an old camper enjoying a cup of coffee, a smoke and his "air conditioning" (an old rusty fan we think could double as a propeller.)  He loves growing his green onions (which some of us got to taste -- not bad!) and spending time with his girl, Annie.  Sometimes the neighbor from down the road rides over on his ATV to check in on the two and just relax.  The enjoy the simple things.  Which I think is fantastic.  How often do New Jersians wake up and slowly sip their coffee outside in the sunshine?  More likely their coffee is gulped down as they rush to the office.

Of course working on the house and learning new skills is great, but I am eternally grateful to Bill and Annie (and even little Bobo) for showing me that the most important thing in life is to be happy.

Work Day One Feb 21

Today was the first day of work for the Adult ASP team in Brenton, West Virginia. We have two different families we are helping and so have divided our group into two teams as mentioned in yesterday’s blog.

Team 1 with the three Johns, Betsy and George headed west after loading their trucks with necessary equipment, traveling about 25 minutes to a home currently not occupied because it is unsafe. There is no water in the house, although the house has water lines and plumbing, and the power supply is in need of updating, no hot water heater connected. In addition, the owner has requested that a double door opening be replaced with a single door and that openings for several windows in the house be finished -- mouldings placed on the window frames, and painted. They had to find the water source and then make sure it was connected under the house. The water source is a small hose coming down the hill (from a spring?). There is a valve on it in the back yard. John had to climb under the house and find out where the water source connected to the plumbing in the house. He had to replace a broken pipe under the house and then several other pipes and then several fixtures inside the house. Once completed, the team could use the toilet, except for Betsy -- no door for the bathroom.

The double doors were removed and a single door frame installed and the remaining opening filled in with sheeting and sheet rock.

The team added mouldings to several framed windows and painted the mouldings.

John Casale searched out electrical circuits to find which were live and which were not. The house has two electrical panels, one inside which is full, and one outside added more recently. which will be used to connect the water heater and other yet to be determined circuits.

Team 2; Paul, Mickey, Tim, Susan, Jane and Ted

After a necessary and quick stop at the local convenience store -- supporting the local economy, team 2 headed east. Their location is only about 5 minutes away up a road along a coal mining operation. We have two basic tasks: to finish a front porch and to remove and replace the floor of one of the bedrooms. The family had had a scary fire about two years ago and the bedroom floor of the daughter was flooded with water from the fire company’s efforts to put out the fire -- the family said they wet down everything in the house. As a result over time the floor had given way in one spot and there was a hole in the floor, and the particle board was in generally bad shape.

Tim, Jane, and Paul worked inside; Mickey, Susan and Ted, with help from time to time from Paul, worked outside.

The initial job inside was to tear out all the old particle board flooring, a difficult and time consuming job, as it turned out, taking a good part of the morning.

Those on the outside went to work on the porch. A previous team had built the porch deck and stairs. Our job was to add 2 X 6 inch railing and spindles for the deck and stairs. Work began by trimming the 4 X 4s to the height required by ASP and making sure that the deck railings were level and fastening them in place. Once this was done for the deck, we placed 2 X 4s under the railings and at least 4 inches above the deck so that we could place spindles at regular intervals.

Another task for the porch crew was to make a structure that would fill in a gap of about 7 inches between the deck and the house. Mickey built a box like structure out of 2 X 4s and we attached this.

Even without the spindles in place, it was amazing how much safer the porch seemed once we had the railings in place.

As you can see from the pictures, we completed some of this work with the spindles we had.

Inside, with the particle board floor torn out and all the staples removed, we began the process of cutting 3/4 strand board to fit on the open floor. It took two 8’ X 4’ boards, cut to length and width and then a length of strand board greater than 8’ so we had to piece together strand board for the last part of the floor covering.

We are now into our fourth and final day of work. More info and pictures will follow when times permits.

Getting there is half the fun.

Members of the Adult ASP team met in the church park lot early Saturday morning. We had heard that the center in Brenton, WV was expected a fast moving snow storm on Sunday. The center director had asked John to delay coming to the center until Monday. We decided to go ahead on Saturday so we would not be driving on Sunday during the snow storm -- we would later find out it was a wide decision. Nine members left in the three trucks, Paul’s, John’s, and John’s. Ted and Jane would follow later after a Immigration Task Force meeting in Princeton. The ride to Beckley, WV (our stop for the first two nights, adjusting for the snow storm) was uneventful. On Sunday we made our trip to Walmart for some items, and sat around waiting for the snow to start. It finally started in the afternoon and we walked a short distance through the snow to the Outback for dinner. We had the usual good time at the restaurant with an excellent waitress who entered into our sense of humor. It was still snowing as we headed home.

We woke up the next morning to a beautiful snow, not a lot, but it was a wet snow and beautifully traced and covered the various shapes of the tree limbs and branches.

We left the Fair(mont)field hotel about noon and headed to Wendy’s for lunch before heading out -- we were not sure we find a place to eat at Brenton and the center director had asked to arrive around 2 or later.

We were soon on our way to Brenton and, we would find, it a very beautiful drive winding our way through the West Virginia mountains and snow/ice covered trees. We arrived in Brenton shortly after 2.

We found that we would be divided into two groups for our work here. One team consisting of the three Johns and George, the other made up of Paul, Micky, Tim, Susan, Jane and Ted.

We had a short meeting with the members of the staff, Marika, Shelby, and Jackie, sharing a bit about our selves with them and they with us, talking about the center and the work procedures and expectations and the daily schedule.

After dinner, members sat around doing a variety of things, reading, knitting, working on blogs and pictures, reading, working on puzzles, singing Beatle songs.