All You Need Is Love

Chelsea Sebastian here from the crew "True Penny." Our work crew consisted of John Casale, Mike Mulvihill, Erin Cascio, Max Biedermann, Josh Swan, and Zak Dagnall. Our crew was nothing short of amazing. Another ASP trip, another amazing experience, another chance to help those in need. Every year is different and there are always different things to say about each one. We travel to the Appalachian Mountains to make a difference and help families that truly need it. Our lives back home in Jersey get crazy. Admit it: you're always saying "I'm too busy" or "I need to check my schedule" or "maybe if I have time." We were put on this earth to live our lives and face it; they get chaotic. Of course, there is no problem with that. If your life is chaotic that means there is a lot going on and you're in fact living your life. However, that chaos can make us forget the little things and what is really important. Life is short, and we need to be living it. That statement is completely true, but we also have to take a step back once in awhile and really open our eyes to this life we are living. ASP gives us a chance to do just that. Speaking from personal experience, the past couple months have been chaotic to say the least. My mind was overwhelmed and I was looking around at the world around me but not seeing what was right in front of me. I needed to take a step back. This past semester at college was extremely difficult and as soon as I got home I jumped right into work. I haven't given myself the chance to really take a step back and just breathe. I was looking around at the world around me but not truly seeing. Coming on this trip allowed me to take that step back that I've been needing and realizing what is truly important. Life is all about happiness and living our lives. My foot tattoo says "Live Laugh Love" and I am a true believer in doing just that: living, laughing, and loving. This past week was all about love. We come to these mountains to love each other, love the families we are helping, and learn to love ourselves again even when it seems that our lives have become chaotic. I get emotional every year about my experience and how amazing it is. This year gave me the chance to open my eyes again to what I have been distracted from. Love is really all you need.

Sunshine Beneath the Clouds

This week our crew had the pleasure of working for Ken and Katie, a loving and forever grateful couple. The Mulan crew consisting of; Ryan, Laura, Zach, Kira, Tomi Lee, Sarah, and Matt were presented with the project of continuing the building of a new addition to their home. Our job seemed quite manageable and we began to a great start. Monday went as planned as we started our week with the beautiful Virginia sunshine. Tuesday started off very similar to Monday and we were excited to see accomplishments coming to life. However, to our disappointment they were short-lived. Typical to the weather in Appalachia the rain clouds rolled in from the mountains and seemingly washed away all of our insulation that we previously put in. On Wednesday we were faced with the challenge of replacing all the damaged insulation, which was frustrating considering we practically had to do all of our work over again.

Despite all the typical and infuriating mishaps of ASP we were blessed to be motivated by our appreciative homeowners. They always reminded us how thankful and blessed they were to have us working on their home, saying that we were “a gift from God”. Although ASP is mostly about the work we do on the homes, our crew's favorite time of the day was by far sitting down and having lunch with Ken and Katie at their giant picnic table. We felt like a true family there, talking about anything and everything as if we all grew up with one another. The conversations were comfortable and natural and a true bond was formed. Katie never failed to tell us that we were welcome at her home, considering the little they have, and it definitely says something about who they truly are. Ken has heart problems and was pronounced dead a total of four times but it doesn't stop him from trying to help us out on the work site and is always positive and smiling. Even with all their struggles they feel that there are always people out there who have it worse. We are so grateful to work for this lovely couple as we continue putting up the rest of their walls on their new room addition. Knowing that our friendship is one that will last forever is priceless. 

Kira & Tomi Lee 

From One to Another

Today was my first full day with my new crew.  I was tasked with spackling and painting the backroom of the house.  After the spackle had dried we sanded it down and got ready to paint.  By the end of the day the first coat of paint was done.  Elsewhere in the house both the kitchen and bathroom floor were being redone.  The kitchen is almost done and the bathroom isn't far behind.

After work we had the ASP picnic.  Neither of my families came, but some of the other ones did.  It was fun being able to see the families and a bunch of us volunteers hung out with the kids.

I cant wait for tomorrow because we get to see all our hard-work pay off.  It's also a sad day because it is our last day with our families.  I can't wait to come back next year

Zak Opdycke

Original crew: Little House #1
New Crew: Clarabell, John O., Sara F., Katy G., Tyler S., Billy G., Rachel S.

(Zack volunteered to switch crews to help Clarabell out with their work load, with the agreement of both crews)

Baloo

What a busy week it's been for Crew Super Seven! We are Dan Richard, Nick Bellamy, Julia Francione, Doug O'Melia, Tim Sullivan, and Samantha Wilson. We are working on the home of a young couple with a beautiful 6 month old boy. We have replaced rim joists and supports and 5 of 10 joists in the bedroom, then installed insulation and laid the plywood floor. We also repaired a floor in the back hallway as there was a hole in it and replaced 2 joists by the back door and squared off the door so now it closes and locks! We also worked on the bathroom – installed a floor, caulked around the bathtub, installed molding and a shelf, replaced a fan/light, got the sink functioning, sanded, spackled and painted ceiling and painted 2 doors. We were also able to accomplish some smaller jobs and cleaned up the work site and some of the homeowner's property.

We enjoyed eating lunch with our homeowner every day. We all feel our purpose here is more than the construction work on the home, but building relationships and making a difference one family at at time.

-Jill DeMouth

Bippity Boppity Boo

Justine F.

Our crew name is Bippity Boppity Boo.  This week we worked on the home of three sisters, Charlotte, Lisa and Arlene.  They needed the floors of a room in the house repaired.  The room we are working in is their brothers, who is deceased.  Even so the women are always in good spirits and never really seem down.  Today, we completed and put the finishing touches on the floor and tomorrow we just have to paint the walls.

There are train tracks directly in front of the house.  The train has passed by at least once every day we've been there so far.  This let us crush many coins and nails on the track.  We would lay out many quarters and pennies and when the train passed, it would flatten them.  We've also had fun trding odd factgs, getting paint in our hair and watching large men get stuck under the house.  Let's hope the rest of the week is as fun as it has been so far.

Our crew is: Keith B., Matt C., Justine F., Adam T., Brandon B., Heather A.

Taj Mahal

Connor Blakeley

Despite only attending two trips including this one ASP has become an irreplaceable part of my life, and one that continues to be as fun and rewarding as the previous year. Nothing can truly capture the feeling provided by this trip, even with the multitude of praise bestowed upon it by veterans. Yes, it is rewarding, but it is also entertaining, liberating, rejuvenating and so many other feelings and words. But above all the experience of going on ASP is unique, not just the first time, but every trip. This is made possible by the different crews and the different families each year. I know that this year has been one of a kind for me.

The family I am with this year is no stranger to ASP, and they are the ones that make the trip truly worthwhile. The woman Rachel is a gregarious individual with an entertaining sense of humor and strong maternal instinct both to my crew and to her own toddlers, Austin and Deserae. Austin is practically made of energy, and is constantly demanding that one of his best friends plays with him. He is also very mischievous and takes joy in spraying us with water. Desserae on the other hand is quiet and serious as only the young and innocent can be, yet loves to play with the members of my crew, particularly the girls. My family is promising to make this ASP just as rewarding as last year, and just as memorable.

Taj Mahal Crew:

Paul G., Laura S., Connor B., Michelle C., Tim G., Kalynn T., Nick W.

Little House on the Prairie

Ryan C.

Our project is to repair a tin roof for one of the families in Virginia.  To fix the leaking roof, we plan on drilling wooden planks over the old tin roof. Then drilling the new tin on the wooden planks.  The plan was thought up by the work site leaders, Doug F. and Lee G.  They both have contracting experience which makes everyone's lives a little easier.  However the work is still very challenging because we are working under the hot sun. 

Before showing up to the work site I heard that the house I was working on was one of the nicest houses in the ASP program.  However I was shocked when I saw the condition of the house.  The roof leaked in most of the rooms and there was duct tape on the peak of the roof.  Fortunately the kids were extremely happy and friendly.  

All in all, I hope my group successfully fixes the roof and accomplishes our goal of helping the families in the Appalachia region.  

Doug F., Lee G., Mike B., Kevin S., Melissa B., Sam B., Noah M., Matt L., Rob T., Zack O., Kalyn N., Ryan C. 

Day 2, Trip 1.

We are Team Swiss Family, consisting of John A, Jackie S. Samantha D, Sydney J, and Emily D, Eric H, and Zach M. We have just come back to the Center from our second day of work. Our project this week consists of removing kitchen cabinets, kitchen sink, and all flooring under cabinets. We are supporting joists for the new floor and will then insulate, install new floor, new kitchen cabinets, kitchen sink, and all flooring under the cabinets. We also put down new Pergo flooring in the laundry room. In addition, a new house shut-off valve was installed and a leak on the washing machine line was repaired. We are very much enjoying the days with our homeowner Crystal, a young mother with lots of energetic children, friendly dogs, and a new born kitten! (JA)

 Thank you, Jesus, for inviting me to be a part of ASP and allowing me the opportunity to work with an incredible crew of Christian folks working to improve living conditions for those in need. I am delighted that Yvonne, Zach, and Linda encouraged me to come along for the first time this year. My heart is full of love for all those involved in ASP. First and best, is John A whose knowledge and patience are amazing and whose every word and action witness for Christ daily. Next, I love Sam, Sydney, and Emily who are brilliant, dedicated, and very strong women (pulling up flooring, pounding nails) as they interact with the children--being gentle, loving, and caring, (even buying real cat food for the new kitten who was being fed Doritos!). Last but never least, I love Eric H and Zach M who team up to solve problems so quickly and logically and whose knowledge is amazing (and who also provide an occasional respite from the hard work with their humor). Yes, thank you Jesus! Indeed our Swiss Family team is blessed by being a part of the ASP family. (JS)

 John A and Jackie S.

Pride Rock (or 2nd 1st day of ASP)

Chelsea F, Mary, Brian, Alexis, Chris, Yvonne

This year is my second year of ASP, which is a lot less intimidating than the first year.  Although I still don't know everyone I was eager for ASP rather than anxious like last year.  I've already made new friends and  re-acquainted myself with old ones.  The first day on the job is always long, but it's exhilarating.  Our homeowner is a very talkative man and very personable.  He struggles with a degenerative disease that impairs his mobility.  So basically we're making his house more handicap friendly.  Today I got to work on the bathroom.  I bonded with Alexis (she didn't go on ASP last year) by tearing up floor boards, cutting out a bathtub and hitting down walls.  At one point while I was taking a sledge hammer to the wall she told me to pretend it was an ex-boyfriend.  We became friends quickly.  I look forward to rebuilding the bathroom with her tomorrow and interacting with the homeowner once again.

Chelsea F.

Applebutter; Monday (by Kurt Vogl)

Today was our crew's first day working on our project. Our assignment is titled "Applebutter" and entails finishing incomplete siding from a previous crew and to completely re-do the kitchen. Our family is a very friendly, elderly woman whos daughter lives in the house next door. Her daughter owns three dogs who frequent the site throughout the day and played in the grass on the large open property. When not emptying the kitchen, removing shelves and putting up nailboard for the remaining siding, we were speaking with our family and playing with the dogs. Although it was filled with hard work, all of us thoroughly enjoyed the day. Our crew is looking forward to seeing the plans we've made today take shape and is very thankful for this great opportunity.

Sincerely,

Micky, Kathleen, Jenna, Blair, Laura, Liam, Kurt

Re-entry

I never considered how hard it would be to return to normal life after ASP.

I was ready for sleeping on hard bunk beds, eating off cafeteria trays, working muscles I forgot I had and working in sub par conditions. I wasn't ready for the relationships I would form, strengthen and change. ASP is more than working on houses, it's building bonds.

 

I don't easily forget the experiences I have. My mind works overtime reliving conversations and moments. That's what makes re-entry so difficult.

 

When you ask me how my trip was I will say great, awesome, wonderful or some other like adjective. I will then usually tell you a story about the house I worked on or a funny experience I had with the group. Know that behind my laughs are plenty of tears. Tears of joy for bonds formed, tears of sadness for the poverty I saw, tears of hopelessness and for me, tears of hope. Hope, because I choose to believe that someday things will be better.

 

The question came up during our trip "Why do they live like this"? I wish I had the answer.

 

The house I worked on had a high school prom picture hanging on the wall. In the professional school photo was the happy couple holding their baby. I had a conversation with the woman who cooked our dinners. She also works at the high school sometimes. Phyllis relayed to me that she fed 10 pregnant girls that day and 2 have already delivered babies this school year. They get car seats so the babies can ride the bus with them to the school provided daycare on premises. They get special meals and snacks during the day while they are pregnant. I know this is not helping these young people reach their full potential. What to do? So, do I give up hope? No, I choose to believe that someday things will be better.

 

I made special relationships with homeowners I never imagined I could. I strengthened bonds with church friends I already knew. I got to know people better. The tearful goodbyes on Saturday and the warm reunion hugs on Sunday morning make me even more sure that I believe that someday we can make things better.

Judy

 

Prayer Shawls

I had the honor this year of presenting prayer shawls to the two women who make our meals every day at the ASP facility.    

While telling the women about our church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the meaning of the shawls, I explained that the small group of people from BBPC that they could now see was just the tip of the iceberg, representatives of a larger congregation that they couldn’t see—a larger congregation that loved and supported them just the same:

·         Those in the Compassion-Knits who knit our shawls, thinking about and praying for their eventual recipients with each stitch.  (The shawls we gave out this year were knitted by Jane Settle, Jan Holmlund and Amanda Decker.)

·         Those who financially support our ASP trips, through pasta dinners, coffee houses, t shirt auctions and car washes.  (You know who you are!)

·         Even those who—though no longer part of our temporal family of faith—will always remain guiding spirits in all we do together.  (Someone like the late Peggy Sutherland comes to mind—someone who made innumerable prayer shawls herself, who continually gave financially in support of ASP and so many other church mission projects, and whose profound impact continues to shape the life of our congregation and the lives of its members.)             

Through the always powerful presentation of the BBPC prayer shawls to ASP staff and families, we were humbled to represent our larger congregation, were reminded of those who went before us yet still go with us, and were grateful to be members of the larger Church Universal—which stitches together New Jersey with West Virginia, prosperity with poverty, mortal with the Eternal.        

Steve

Someday

The ASP staff member assigned to our work site is a young woman named
Katie.  During the orientation meeting at the ASP center on our first
night, she introduced herself and mentioned she was from Connecticut.

The next day, Katie led us to our work site—a home about 15 miles from
the ASP center.  Katie spent much of the day checking on our progress,
giving advice, and actively participating in our work.  In a casual
conversation during the work day, I asked Katie where she was from in
Connecticut.

She said: New Town.

We looked at each other for a time, without saying what didn’t need to
be said.

* * * *

There’s a connection between the destructiveness of Today--the school
shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Boston Marathon bombings,
the poverty of West Virginia—and our constructive work at ASP.

In the narrowest sense, our work this week was for a small number of
homes, for a small number of families, in a small area of Appalachia.

But in the broadest sense, it goes far beyond that—just one positive
response to the negative circumstances of Today, as we work toward and
strive for a better Someday.  Someday when poverty is eliminated.
Someday when tears of sadness are replaced with tears of joy.  Someday
when hatred and violence are conquered by love.

Are we making a small number of homes warmer, safer and drier in Today’s
world?  Definitely.  But are we also improving people’s lives—including
our own—in a way that will endure long after our work week?  Are we
making our world to be a little more filled with love?  Just as
definitely.

The reason we came to ASP is simply this: We Believe in Someday

Steve

Just the facts...

Here we are again... BBPC adults at Guyan Valley
A few participants had to cancel due to work issues or illness. Ten of us made the trek to West Virginia.
Crew NA (also known as Foghorn Leghorn) consists of John A, Mickey, Sue, Tim & Judy
Our project is to finish a home that ASP has been working on for almost a year. Monday Sue  and I laid carpet in a bedroom complete with molding and thresholds. The guys worked on finishing the sididng. Unfortunately much of our work is taking down and redoing work that a previous group did wrong.
Crew Barnevelder is John C, Steve, Kerry, Mark and George
This crew is taking down a porch, replacing it and builing a handicap ramp for the homeowner who is anticipating surgery on both legs and will be wheelchair bound.

They told me ASP draws you in and you are hooked. I get it!

Judy