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.
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