One last night. Tonight is the last night of 2013 Summer Staff Training. The thought is slightly unbelievable. I have been here at the Jonesville Center for almost two weeks, and I have learned and experienced so many things! I have learned the concepts behind building a house from the ground up. I have learned about many types of tools and fasteners as well as many safe construction practices. Met great people from all over the country and even world. Practiced driving 15 passenger vehicles and pickup trucks on Appalachian backroads. Battled through some of the worst allergies I have ever experienced and caught the virus that everyone has contracted from such close contact. Met my three awesome staffers, whom I will spend the rest of the summer with. Learned position specific things, to help me succeed this summer. Toured ASP's home office in Johnson City, TN. Met some of the incredible people, such as the CEO, who make this organization what it is. Talked to cooks, community members, and home-owners about what a great area of the country Appalachia is. Now this is not nearly everything, but just think; this is just training, I still have a whole summer left!
This is the reason why I am so ecstatic to be where I am, and so fortunate to be given the opportunity that I have been given. Appalachia is a beautiful area with beautiful people. Amongst all of the chaos of training, I have made sure that I have had a chance to take a step back and reflect on its beauty. The landscape and greenery are simply breathtaking, the mountainous terrain with rolling roads that go on for miles would make anyone want to be here. The ground has a certain feel, the air a certain taste and the people, the people, are amazing. I cannot express in words how beautiful of a place appalachia is, but I can tell you I thank the Lord for the opportunity.
Tomorrow is the day, the day that we drive to our county. Morgan County, Tennessee I hope your ready for an amazing summer. A summer full of great volunteers and wonderful families. A summer full of Staff bonding, and spiritual growth. A summer in Appalachia. We will set out for our county and begin the intense set-up process before volunteers arrive. We will set up our center, begin looking into projects, become aquatinted with our new community, and get to know our staff a little better.
As always, my excitement continues to grow. But, as my excitement continues to grow, so does my nervousness. I am confident in the training we have received over the last two weeks, but I am afraid for the unknown. But if there is one thing that I learned durring my training experience, it is that the Lord as well as your family and friends are there for you. Regardless of the situation, never give up. One of my fellow staffers, Joseph, told us a story today about his childhood. He is from Africa and he explained his coming to America. He used the analogy that he was a boy on the top of a tree, and a large bird picked him up, and dropped him in America. The boy was him and the bird was God. Always look for hope in every situation, someone will always be there to help you.
My prayers go out to all of my family and friends at home, as well as my new family and friends here. I wish everyone safe travels tomorrow, whether it is from your home to work, or to your ASP center for the summer. Stay safe.
Peace,
-Ben
This is the reason why I am so ecstatic to be where I am, and so fortunate to be given the opportunity that I have been given. Appalachia is a beautiful area with beautiful people. Amongst all of the chaos of training, I have made sure that I have had a chance to take a step back and reflect on its beauty. The landscape and greenery are simply breathtaking, the mountainous terrain with rolling roads that go on for miles would make anyone want to be here. The ground has a certain feel, the air a certain taste and the people, the people, are amazing. I cannot express in words how beautiful of a place appalachia is, but I can tell you I thank the Lord for the opportunity.
Tomorrow is the day, the day that we drive to our county. Morgan County, Tennessee I hope your ready for an amazing summer. A summer full of great volunteers and wonderful families. A summer full of Staff bonding, and spiritual growth. A summer in Appalachia. We will set out for our county and begin the intense set-up process before volunteers arrive. We will set up our center, begin looking into projects, become aquatinted with our new community, and get to know our staff a little better.
As always, my excitement continues to grow. But, as my excitement continues to grow, so does my nervousness. I am confident in the training we have received over the last two weeks, but I am afraid for the unknown. But if there is one thing that I learned durring my training experience, it is that the Lord as well as your family and friends are there for you. Regardless of the situation, never give up. One of my fellow staffers, Joseph, told us a story today about his childhood. He is from Africa and he explained his coming to America. He used the analogy that he was a boy on the top of a tree, and a large bird picked him up, and dropped him in America. The boy was him and the bird was God. Always look for hope in every situation, someone will always be there to help you.
My prayers go out to all of my family and friends at home, as well as my new family and friends here. I wish everyone safe travels tomorrow, whether it is from your home to work, or to your ASP center for the summer. Stay safe.
Peace,
-Ben
RSS Feed