This time last week, our group was driving home from another great experience in Asheville, North Carolina. It was about now that we were stopping for lunch at Chick-Fil-A in Kentucky. This is a favorite for us since they are extremely sparse in our home State. It was also when we had to say goodbye to our friends from Hamilton, Ohio. Just when you thought the tears were finished before departing our gracious hosts at Emmanuel Lutheran in Asheville, a few more were shed when Ohio left the caravan, and then lastly when we separated from the Northville group just before Toledo. It was evident that a lot of good friendships were made and reinforced during this 10+ day journey.
At the beginning of the week, I resumed my Servant Event name of DD (Deacon Dan). I was so happy to be back amongst the great youth and their leaders and pastors. This event is unique for a servant event, in that it has the feel of a family reunion. I cannot recall feeling that way about the other events I have been a part of, either as a youth or an adult. I think that is one reason our students keep asking to be a part of this project.
However, come Monday, it was time to get to work! I was on the same site as Ben, and since he described some of our joys and struggles quite well, I will just share some broad observations from our time serving Mr. Shelton and his family. I was extremely proud of all the youth on our site! We got some pretty discouraging news a couple of extremely inopportune times during our week, but it was following those that I saw them dig in and get to work without complaints. Sure there was frustration, but our students wanted to complete this job for the Shelton family. We learned at the end of our time there that Mr. Shelton was in danger of being removed from his home if not for our work to add a new septic field. His old field was bubbling to the surface, causing a public health problem. Again, upon learning this, our students showed a renewed resolve to complete the task!
Near the end of the week, Paige and Solomon agreed to share their gratitude and experiences with our host church, Emmanuel. I was proud to see their maturity in their speeches, as well as the passion of service for Christ's people. It was a very edifying moment for me personally to watch and listen to them share their faith with the congregation.
Overall, it was another great year in Asheville! I look forward to returning next year, again reuniting with our friends, and serving God's people in the Appalachian Mountains.
