Beginning of training on The Porch

First post from Appalachia! I'm currently sitting on what we ASP staffers call "The Porch" listening to the crickets chirp. Here in Jonesville, Virginia is where we train for about 10 days before we set off to our various counties for the summer. I still do not know where I'll be going specifically or who will be on my staff, but I am anxiously awaiting finding out! Right now we are spending a lot of time in construction sessions, brushing up on our knowledge.

I couldn't be happier. I'm in heaven here. I feel relaxed and I'm surrounded by the most amazing people ever. I'll be sure to post more when I have more time and especially when I know my home for the summer!

New Summer, Leading to New Beginnings

A new summer starts.

And I cannot wait to share my adventures as I go through another amazing time working for Appalachia Service Project. Appalachia Service Project is a non-profit organization based out of Johnson City, TN that "provides life changing short-term Christian mission trip opportunities - bringing youth, adult, and college volunteers into rural Central Appalachia to make homes warmer, safer, and drier for families in need". My job? In early June, during my training, I will be placed into one of several counties in either Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, or Kentucky, and I will coordinate the construction projects, evening programming, and more, for all of these weekly volunteer groups. Like a camp counselor - but way better.

My previous summer.

Harlan County, Kentucky, was my home last summer. There, I worked with 3 others all summer long - Jenny, Jess, and Adam. We had an amazing summer, working 8 weeks with different volunteers every week. We worked on a total of 16 different homes around the county and met some amazing locals. Along the way, I made a bond with not only my fellow staff members, but the families we served, the volunteers we worked with, and I strengthened my relationship with Jesus. I loved my summer in Harlan, and I cannot wait to begin a new journey.

My upcoming summer.

It's no surprise to anyone that I've struggled this year. Not only with school and being busy, but with my identity, and constantly questioning what I was doing and why things we occurring. I seem to have strayed from the path that I originally had set for myself, and I feel like part of that was the initial disappointment of NOT being in the mountains, where my life seemed perfect always. I've learned to appreciate my time, no matter where I am, and embrace every moment. I can find love everywhere I look, and that's all that matters. This summer could not come at a more perfect time. I need to reset myself and get back to who I am and be the person I can be proud of. God has great plans for me, and I'm putting a lot of trust in him. I will appreciate and prayers and thoughts from everyone this summer!

Keep in touch.

Please follow my blog this summer! I know everyone loves my pictures, and I will be sure to include many. Also, I will post my address as soon as I find out my home for the summer. In the meantime, I hope to hear from everyone soon, whether here, via facebook, twitter, or a phone call. I will miss my friends and family much, but I know another summer serving in the mountains is just what I need.