ASP Day 1 -- on the job.

This is my 7th tip to Appalachia on ASP and it has never failed to be a rewarding experience. However a typical week on ASP can also include its fair share of stress and frustration. Today, our first day on the job site was particularly frustrating for me, and I am sure my fellow volunteers felt the same.

I am part of the "College" group which includes 14 people who have all experiences ASP multiple times. Despite our collective skill level we were placed on a job that we are felt over-qualified for. As we finished all our work today around 1:30, We all came to realize that our group of 14 could easily finish our entire project (planed to be a week long project) by this same time tomorrow. We spent much of the rest of the day sitting around. Once our family Ray, Rosebudd and and Andrea, left to go into town, we retired our tools to the car and headed back to the center.

I believe our group collectively feels as though our skills were under used. We are all a little down and our high hopes for an exciting challenging job and "awesome" ASP are now bleak. However, although ASP is frustrating and we are a little down, it is imperative that we remember that our job here is not only to build a great house but to also butild relationships with each other and our families.

Personally I think that frustrations like these are what make ASP so great, because no matter what these frustrations will resolved. Ultimately thought we must remember that we make the biggest difference by just showing up every morning with smiles on our faces and kindness in our hearts.

Tomorrow will be better.

Sara Flannelly.

Around 4:30 today we arrived in Staunton, Virginia. We are renewing friendships, creating new ones and sharing. All are safe. thank you. Blessings. Paul

We gathered this morning. Around 9 am Brooks led us in prayer for our trip, the families we will sever, the friends and family that are supporting us.

On our way

We meet at 8am Saturday to begin our trip. Just a reminder. There is NO CELL SERVICE for an hour in any direction from where we are staying. There is also reported no internet connection. It is suggested that you bring phone cards. We will try to updated the blog, but we don't know if we will be able to connect anywhere during the week. Keep checking here to see if we have connected.

Peace.

ASP UPDATES …

CLOTHING: There was some confusion about the t-shirts that can be worn on site. T-shirts do NOT have to be plain. They can have writing or whatever, BUT they must be appropriate! No beer, cigarette, camouflage or other inappropriate logos or words.

FRIDAY EVENING: The time for packing the vans on Friday evening is 7 PM.

8^th WORK CREW: There will NOT be an 8^th work crew.

TO PARENTS: While this has not happened in the past and I do not expect it to happen this year, please be aware that if a youth participate violates ASP rules related to drugs, alcohol or unsafe behavior (purchase, possession or use of a weapon … bb gun, pellet gun, etc) they will be asked to return home and you will be expected to pick them up immediately.

ASP News

With just 9 days to go before we leave here are some reminders of things coming up:

1. Car Wash this Saturday from 10-2 PM … arrive at 9:30 to set up.
   
   
2. Commissioning at the 10:00 Worship Service … Brooks will be commissioning all ASP participants this Sunday at the 10:00 Service. Please try to be there … obviously if you are away in Florida watching the space shuttle of something you are excused (that is for the Yaciks and Katy Goodson)!
   
   
3. Friday, July 17th we will gather in the church parking lot at 7 PM. to pack our vehicles so that we are ready to roll Saturday morning. On Friday bring our luggage … but save your overnight bag for the trip down to bring with you on Saturday morning.
   
   
4. Any final stock money or forms MUST be turned in by Friday evening (July 17) or you may not be able to leave with us on Saturday.
   
   
5. Saturday, July 18th we will gather at 8 AM at the church parking lot for check. We plan to pull out in small groups around 9AM. Bring a bag lunch for the ride!

I just talked to the center staff in Raleigh County and here are some things you should know about our center …

1. The air conditioners in the classrooms where will be sleeping WORK! So we do not need fans!
   
   
2. Showers: There are two shower heads per gender period! SO prepared for long lines and don’t forget shower shoes!
   
   
3. Walmart is over an hour away so I imagine there won’t be many trips there, but there are some local small stores including an ice cream place located near the center.
   
   
4. There is no cell phone reception at or near the center.
   
   
5. The staff says that there is a lot of poison ivy around the center and in the local community. Be prepared!

Needed:

1. I need to know if there are any vegetarians in the group. Please let me know immediately. I have to call that into the center.
   
   
2. Because there is no dish washer at the center we need to bring paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic ware. Is there anyone willing and able to pick this up? The church will reimburse you through ASP funds.

That’s all for now! Can’t wait until July 18th!!!!!!

Peace,

Linda

ASP DINING DOLLARS

Mondays, July 6 and July 20, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. we are asking everyone to join us at the Golden Corner in Bound Brook. Your meals will contribute to the ASP fund raising. Flyers will be given out at church services. YOU MUST BRING THE FLYER WITH YOU TO TURN IN WHEN DINING. Any questions call Shirley Almendinger. Click here to get flyer to print