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Building lives … with a little construction on the side
I am awe-struck with God’s amazing power to work in our lives. He is so insightful into our hearts and spirits and knows exactly what we need and how to make things happen. For instance, getting ready to go on the youth mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, none of us realized how true this was going to be for “us” instead of those we were going to help.
In the heat of July, 29 youth and adults piled into five vans to make the 17 hour, two day journey to the mountains of Kentucky. I am so thankful that God gave us those days to bond with each other. We strengthened each other with his Spirit and laughter for the days ahead.
When we arrived at the work center, we instantly bonded with the people from Delaware. We lived with 100 people in rooms that did not smell the best, slept
on cement floors, showered behind black plastic with no water pressure, got little sleep, and had an absolute blast. The hardest parts of the trip, God made easier by surrounding us with people who have
a heart to serve Him.
Some of us had construction experience but none of us were ready for the conditions that we were asked to work in, except God. He blessed us with the tools and techniques that we needed to repair these homes. He gave us the confidence and knowledge to do things that we never dreamed of. God was with us every step…protecting, guiding and teaching us.
Each day we worked up to eight hours a day up in the hollers. It was very hot and unbearably humid at times, but God’s blessings overshadowed the heat. Kids learned how to use a drill, sawzall, circular saw, and insulation blower, with great success. Projects varied from site to site: Some worked on trailers, others on houses, and even a 100-year-old log cabin. These homes were in dire need of repairs. One home had a roof that was rusted out and leaking into their house, so the crew put on a new tin roof and applied a rubber seal coat. Another home had no insulation, so the team repaired holes in the floor and walls and put insulation in the attic and under the floorboards. Another home had gaping holes in the walls so we patched, sealed, and painted. Many homes were neglected for years and the interior walls were dilapidated. The crews installed new materials, mudded, primed, and painted.
When we left for Kentucky we thought we were going to be doing so much good for the poor. (Don’t get me wrong; we definitely did amazing things for their quality of life.) What we weren’t expecting, was what God would do in our lives. We learned through the people of Kentucky what it means to be thankful for what we have. God has blessed us with so much that we take for granted. These people were so thankful when we patched a hole, painted a wall, put up a gutter, or fixed a bathroom. We learned the need to build relationships with those around us; that through others, we see Christ. This strengthens our walk with Him.
This trip was about building lives with a little construction on the side. Our Kentucky families touched our lives and faith in ways that will be with us forever.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support that you gave from Leaves for Love, Dancing with our Stars, Grace Apparel, Cookies, Nails for Jesus, Day of Disney, and Bagging at Cub. We could not have gone on this amazing journey without your love and support.
Submitted by Jennifer Kettering
Kentucky Youth Mission Trip Leader