Thursday, May 24, 2012

Appalachia Update

Just heard from Audrey and Shaun at Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia!
They were full of laughs and sounded SO enthusiastic about their week so far! They have spent the last few days working in the community, doing everything from cleaning up at a National park, to working in a local thrift store, to roofing and painting a house! They break up into 5 groups every day with 2 or 3 other schools, and travel with a staff member all throughout the Appalachia region to volunteer, so they have seen a lot and met a lot of interesting people.

Last night they attended a religious service with a local community, and played kickball with many of them afterwards. They said they have met many friendly people willing to share their lives with them and explain a bit about the stigma and social injustices in that region. The group also spends time in reflection every night learning about sustainability and are ready to come home and share it with us!

They are definitely learning a lot and enjoying simple living! Many had their first shower of the week TONIGHT! (eek!) and it was an outdoor bucket shower (good thing its hot out!). Everyone in the group has high spirits and they are having a wonderful time. I can't wait to hear more about it when they get back!

We probably won't hear from the group again until Saturday on their drive home. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Joycelin

No comments:

Post a Comment