Rachel M - day 4

Because we finished our porch yesterday, our crew got to do something different today and work at a free food market.  Serving the people who needed help was fun, but the best part of the job was talking to another volunteer.  She seemed to take so much pride in her work and helping others, and I was surprised when she told me that a mission group had actually worked on a porch for her trailer recently, which is exactly the type of work we had been doing.  Even though she needed help (she actually brought home some food herself) she still took the time to serve her neighbors.  After we finished we went to a local ice cream shop that was similar to Custard Time.  As we waited in line and ordered a woman asked us what we were here for, so Amy told her about our mission trip.  As it turns out, that woman had work done on her house by mission trip kids 11 or 12 years ago and just happened to be in town to visit her sister and pick up furniture with her grandson, who is my age and will start at Ohio University in the fall.  She was so appreciative of what we were doing and paid for all of our ice creams as a thank you, making Amy keep the extra money left over to use for something else on the trip.  What really struck me was seeing how thankful and kind she was all these years later, and just the fact that she now has the extra money to be able to give $40 to us made me so happy.  She said, “I was meant to be here and you were meant to be here today, and what you’re doing is really good.”

-Rachel McIlvaine

Alissa - day 4

Today we went to Union Local High School to work at a produce market set up for those who cannot afford their own. The people who came to the market were from the rural hills around the Barnesville/Bethesda area. Right when we got there, we saw about ten cars filled with people waiting to get their food. At that point, the semi truck that brings the food had not even arrived yet. That struck me very hard because it made me realize how eager these people were to get the fresh produce. It made me very grateful that fresh and healthy food is so easy for me to get in my life. We started unloading the food off the truck; there were onions, sweet potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, milk, cantaloupe, tea, V8 juice, and bananas. We handed out the produce to the families who came through the market, and they were very thankful. There were men and women working the market who were also handing out the food to them. However, we realized that those volunteers were also in need of the provided produce, and one by one they went through the market themselves. We all found this very cool. These volunteers were helping set up and hand out the food at the market, yet they themselves were also in need of the food. It just showed me how everyone is able to help and made me feel very good that we were there and helping them out.  The volunteers were extremely grateful and we left feeling very productive. Then we got to have very good ice cream after!

-Alissa Moore

Matthew - day 4

I’ve had a very enjoyable time this week.  Overall, I’ve learned many skills in both construction and in building my faith.  Through God, I have realized the gifts I have been given and I have learned to use them in ways that help others.  The most memorable part of my week was probably being able to talk and play with the great-grandchild of the woman we were helping.  Before the trip, I felt uncomfortable around younger children and thought that I wasn’t very good with them, but I realized this week that my insecurity was actually a strength.  I have been truly happy all trip long, and I am very thankful for this experience.  Being able to put a smile on others’ faces is what we are all called to do, and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to do that for people who don’t have a lot to smile about.

-Matthew Fuller

Megan - day 4

It’s been a great week! Spending the week working and talking to Mildred and Bob was a great experience. Our supplies finally came on the second day, so we had to work really hard to get the ramp done.  As we were finishing the ramp, everyone on my site signed the last piece of wood before we screwed it in place.  I thought that was really special.   Also throughout the week, I have been able to learn how to use power tools.  At first I was really scared, but now I feel more comfortable with them so I am grateful for that experience.   After we finished the ramp, we decided to rebuild part of their deck as well.  When we were completely done with both the deck and the ramp, Bob started crying.  Finishing our job and seeing Bob cry made me feel special because I knew that we did something that will change their lives completely.  Lastly, I got the chance to bond with the other kids that came on the mission trip and am happy I got the chance to know them.  Everyone in Bethesda is really nice and welcomed us with open arms.

-Megan Stein

Emma- update

Hi all! 

We have had a very successful week. We built two ramps, a porch, and helped at a food pantry market. The kids were/are fantastic!!  I'm so proud of them but more importantly they are proud of themselves for the work they've done, the lives they touched, and the relationships they formed. We are preparing for dinner tonight followed by worship. Tomorrow we are off to Columbus for a fun day at the zoo and water park. 

Posts from the kids will come later tonight. 

Enjoy the fun picture of the girls using a selfie stick. 

Joyfully, 

Emma 

Dave - day 4 morning

The week is coming to an end and has offered me a chance to reflect on our work. 

Our primary purpose, helping Bob and Midge at the Shady Side site, has been rewarding.  We’re helping some folks that really need the help and they truly appreciate what the kids are doing.  The work is rewarding too as we get to see and leave behind something of value.   My most striking memory of Shady Side is how this small mobile home community comes together to help each other.  Bob seems to be the community caretaker….helping with those little things that make good neighbors…like fixing a neighbor’s mailbox or checking-in on a shut-in down the street.

My favorite personal memory is being able to work on a job site with my daughter Tess.  This is Tessie’s first mission trip and I’ve been proud to see how she has grown spiritually.  I’ve also been able to witness a growth in her confidence (not that she lacks any) in her use of power tools like drills and saws.  Before this trip, Tess was inexperienced using these tools.  Today, she handles them like a pro.

Here’s a selfie of Tessie and I in front of the worksite.  Note the photobomber in the background (that’s Megan Stein).

We’ll see you all in church soon so feel free to ask Tess or me about our experience.

- Dave