2022

When we arrived at our work site we were greeted by Ms. N and Buddy, her extremely friendly and adorable dog, who greeted us every morning with a smile. She would go out of her way to provide lunch for us on a daily basis and make sure we had more than enough to eat, which is something we almost never see. Ms. N was always open to sharing with us about her hardships and struggles and how she pushed through it with a positive attitude.

Our task for the week was to repair her dining room ceiling as well as remove and replace her front porch stairs. We worked through the thunder storms and the constant mud slides and used it as fuel instead of letting it weaken us. We adapted to the new ideas presented by staff, every day’s staff visit came with a new approach to the project. By the end of the week we were able to present her with a safe exit including stairs and a gravel walkway as well as a new dining room ceiling. As we prepared to say our good-byes, we presented Ms. N with her quilt so that she can always be reminded of how many people love her. She was honored and felt incredibly blessed. It was extremely difficult to leave as her home had truly become our home too in the course of the week.

We felt the presence of God and God’s word this week through our homeowner as well as her neighbors who all showed their appreciation. This will be a week that none of us will ever forget.

Upon arrival at the first home, we saw the American flag, a cute puppy, two adorable children and two wonderful parents.   We knew a lot of work was required but we were up for the challenge.   Our task was to Sheetrock (including insulation in some spots), spackle, and paint both kids' rooms. As soon as we started working, the homeowners thanked us repeatedly and we realized how much they appreciated the work we were doing.   We thanked them back for allowing us into their home which they were very proud of.  We quickly developed strong bonds with the homeowners during the three days we were there.  Due to heavy rains, they were not able to make it to the family picnic so our team decided to visit them and give our final goodbyes (for now).  One thing that made the experience so special was the homeowners enthusiasm to be involved and join our project.  Working alongside the family - including the young kids - made the final product all the more special in our hearts.   

For our second project, we finished a mobility ramp.  We had the special opportunity to work with Chris, the ASP Helping Hand, who used his skills and expertise to guide us through the end of the project.  After learning from a staff member that the homeowner was unable to safely leave her home, the project became more meaningful knowing the freedom it would give her.   

Aside from the rewards of completing two projects we also built relationships with two other churches through our shared relationship with God.   It was extremely special to bond with others who share the passion of service and faith.   We couldn’t have asked for a better week that was filled with more fun, fellowship and rooted in love.   

Our group’s project code name was Thing 1, and our project involved building new underpinning, beginning siding on the house, and adding some concrete pillars underneath the home for additional security and support. We also had the opportunity to work alongside another group on the same home, Thing 2. Although we had two separate objectives for our teams, we were able to collaborate and share the work on each of our projects, especially when we came across obstacles, boulders, uneven surfaces, rain, large rocks, more rain, exposed nerves, and small-ish spaces for pouring concrete. Everyone on the team was quick to support one another and share the heavier burdens and tasks, no matter how heavy or how muddy. 

The center staff was impressed by the amount of the project we were able to complete within the week, and we set up the next week’s crews to have the siding completed all the way around the house by the end of the week. Our homeowner, Mr. J, along with his wife, their daughter, and two nieces, were incredibly thankful and appreciative of our work. He thanked us daily for the blessing of our presence, the work we did, and the relationships we built with the family. Mr. J told us toward the end of the week that the work that we did and the way we cared for each other and their family had reaffirmed his faith in God. Our entire crew was extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve Mr. J and is family, and to be loved by them while we worked on their home.

This year we had the pleasure of serving J & his wife B. Our job was to remove an unsafe porch and replace it with a new safe porch. The first day J was outside in the “she shed” waiting for us. Everyday he greeted us and even shared in our devotions at lunchtime. The rain & huge rocks while digging did not dampen our spirits even though it slowed our progress throughout the week. We were fortunate to work with a double team, Thing 1. Everyone worked together and we were able to accomplish more than we expected. Their adopted daughter R. and two Cousins M & H were the highlight of the week. Bubbles were fun! 

On Tuesday Walter Crouch, CEO of ASP came to present DCC ASP a plaque for 30 years of service! Everyone was really excited to meet him and he was amazed with the enthusiasm & energy of our youth. Thursday we had an ASP Talent Show and all 3 of the girls from our family performed! They stole the show! It was an incredible evening with lots of laughter! As much as we came to serve them, in return they gave us JOY, LAUGHTER and LOVE. When we presented 2 quilts from Priscilla Circle to them on Friday , there were tears and memories made forever.