Saturday July 17
7:00AM. We are leaderless but forging ahead. Weather looks questionable – send supplies. WAIT – do NOT send supplies. We have no room to pack the car. We are eating chips as fast as we can to get in the luggage. By the time we have arrived in Hartford, we have eaten enough to accommodate Pastor John and his suitcase and briefcase, but only because Pastor John is slimmer than we were expecting. Two hours gone.
Dramatic narration over; we’re having a blast. We stopped for lunch at the Scenic Hudson Long Dock Park for lunch. Kathy R made friends with a few women at the park doing hair braids. Hopefully the first of many new friends to be made on this trip. A beautiful sunny lunch. From there we traveled onto Bethlehem (no donkey required). There we went to Hoover Mason trestle at the former Bethlehem steel plant. It’s an outdoor museum with a self-guided tour. 93 degree day. Crazy hot but nothing compared to the heat of the furnaces when the steel plants were running. We almost ran off the museum platform to avoid the impending thunder storm.
And speaking of thunderstorms, we drove through some doozies on way from there to Chambersburg including an amazing lighting show. We were very grateful to our intrepid drivers. God smiled on us long enough to pause the rain to take a photo at the paint can. We checked into out hotel and went to a late dinner at the Falafel Shack in downtown Chambersburg. As luck would have it, that day had been a town day. That evening was a light show, dramatic reenactment of the burning of Chambersburg. It was worth seeing once.
As much as we joked about the Chambersburg reenactment, it was fun to see the show of town pride with a different perspective of history. It was interesting to see how the town deals with both sides of the civil war. You’d think there would not be much sympathy for the army who burned the town, but you’d be wrong.
As much as we joked about the Chambersburg reenactment, it was fun to see the show of town pride with a different perspective of history. It was interesting to see how the town deals with both sides of the civil war. You’d think there would not be much sympathy for the army who burned the town, but you’d be wrong.
Sunday July 18
Early start to the day so we could get to Shenandoah National Park n VA. We drove a 30-mile segment that was beautiful with picturesque views and picture-perfect weather (see pictures as examples). We stopped for a hike. The more intense hikers went on a longer trail. The rest of us went on a milder hike, still beautiful. From there we moved on to a renowned food truck BBQ. Triple Crown BBQ is worth the stop if you are in the neighborhood Luray VA. From there, we made a quick dash to Lexington, VA.
Lexington is a gorgeous university town supporting Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington & Lee University. We went on a horse drawn carriage ride (almost a surrey, definitely fringe on top) narrated by our driver, Wayne and pulled by Maggie & Arapaho. Again, interesting to hear the importance of Civil War history to the town. We passed a “Change the Name” sign and asked Wayne about it. Washington and Lee University was originally named Washington University for George W. In 1870, “and Lee” was added to the name to commemorate Robert E. who was president of the University for five years after the Civil War. After a campaign to change the name back to just “Washington” , the trustees voted to keep “and Lee” as part of the name.
Early start to the day so we could get to Shenandoah National Park n VA. We drove a 30-mile segment that was beautiful with picturesque views and picture-perfect weather (see pictures as examples). We stopped for a hike. The more intense hikers went on a longer trail. The rest of us went on a milder hike, still beautiful. From there we moved on to a renowned food truck BBQ. Triple Crown BBQ is worth the stop if you are in the neighborhood Luray VA. From there, we made a quick dash to Lexington, VA.
Lexington is a gorgeous university town supporting Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington & Lee University. We went on a horse drawn carriage ride (almost a surrey, definitely fringe on top) narrated by our driver, Wayne and pulled by Maggie & Arapaho. Again, interesting to hear the importance of Civil War history to the town. We passed a “Change the Name” sign and asked Wayne about it. Washington and Lee University was originally named Washington University for George W. In 1870, “and Lee” was added to the name to commemorate Robert E. who was president of the University for five years after the Civil War. After a campaign to change the name back to just “Washington” , the trustees voted to keep “and Lee” as part of the name.
Monday, July 19
2021 Our first day on the job site.
Had a relatively early start with a good breakfast and daily devotion. We took our annual group photo then headed out to the work site to discover the specifics of our jobs. We will be putting insulation in Greg’s house and helping him clean and organize the basement.
The big joy of the day happened right away. We met Robyn, Greg’s wife. She is a kindred spirit. We were amazed at how relaxed she was with nine strangers descending on her house to removing the moldings and tearing out the walls. It was dirty work. Today, we deconstructed one room out of two. (More on room counts later).
2021 Our first day on the job site.
Had a relatively early start with a good breakfast and daily devotion. We took our annual group photo then headed out to the work site to discover the specifics of our jobs. We will be putting insulation in Greg’s house and helping him clean and organize the basement.
The big joy of the day happened right away. We met Robyn, Greg’s wife. She is a kindred spirit. We were amazed at how relaxed she was with nine strangers descending on her house to removing the moldings and tearing out the walls. It was dirty work. Today, we deconstructed one room out of two. (More on room counts later).
After lunch, we were joined by Greg’s nephew Alex. He also fit right in. We capped off our work day with filling the truck to go to the dump with bags of sheet rock and other less useful things from the basement.
Tuesday, July 20
This morning was the usual (and wonderful) breakfast and devotions with a little spur of the moment essentrics to loosen up from yesterday’s exertions. Then off to Greg’s.
This morning was the usual (and wonderful) breakfast and devotions with a little spur of the moment essentrics to loosen up from yesterday’s exertions. Then off to Greg’s.
Today, Tim joined us to replace the wiring in the walls while it was exposed (the sheet rock is gone). Chris stepped in to help with the task. The rest of us took out the sheet rock and trim on the exterior walls in the "room" that we didn't get to yesterday.
Actually, it's two mini-rooms. Greg added a dividing wall in that space to accommodate is grandson and granddaughters. (Correction: we said yesterday that he was Greg's nephew - he's actually Greg's grandson. The divider was built in front of one of the walls that needed to be removed for insulation. This added a little extra challenge getting all the sheet rock wedged in between; especially since the electricity was shut off for most of the day and we could not use the electric saws.
Actually, it's two mini-rooms. Greg added a dividing wall in that space to accommodate is grandson and granddaughters. (Correction: we said yesterday that he was Greg's nephew - he's actually Greg's grandson. The divider was built in front of one of the walls that needed to be removed for insulation. This added a little extra challenge getting all the sheet rock wedged in between; especially since the electricity was shut off for most of the day and we could not use the electric saws.
Greg, Nicholas and Douglas made another trip to the dump. Somehow, it's gratifying to see those bags of old sheet rock disappear and be cleared for the work site. Kudos to Robin who stayed up late last night sorting through the basement for keepers and trash. We threw a lot of that in the dump as well.
On the way home, we went to the Riff Raff Arts Collective in Princeton. Side note: one of the cars went rogue and went to Biscuit World, causing some of us to wait. I don't want to name names, but you can see who has a new shirt and hat.
We were happily surprised to find Lori McKinney, the head of Riff Raff and a good friend of ours, at the Riff Raff boutique to meet us. Thankfully, the news from our friends at Riff Raff is good! Open Mike Night at the Room Upstairs is not open yet, but they will be recording some live music there next week with a small audience.
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Lori and Rob have added to their vision of renewal in Princeton with a new museum. Robert's grandfather collected a lot of locomotive engines and other mechanical wonders of the 20th century. The family had hoped to have these things on exhibit and Lori and Robert are making that happen. There is already a Railroad Museum at the other end of Princeton Historic District. They have bought a building close by and are applying for grants to make this project happen.It's been in the works for a couple years and should be open in a year or two.
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Lest you be concerned that we did not have our daily requirement of ice cream, be assured we picked some up on the way home for dessert. Lori, Robert, Tim and Maggie joined us for dinner. It was a joyous meal including an impromptu concert by our guests. We also had the joy of handing our two checks to Lori from proceeds of the mission festival. Both the Riff Raff and partner Stages Music School and the Folklife Center received $3,500 each, thanks to your generosity! They were deeply moved and expressed their gratitude. We have great hopes to connect in deeper ways with them during this year.
Wednesday, July 21
Yesterday’s morning exercises were so successful, we scheduled them in between breakfast (biscuits and bacon) and our morning devotions. Thank you, Allyson, for leading us in waking up our bodies before we asked God to wake up our hearts. Then off to Greg’s
Yesterday’s morning exercises were so successful, we scheduled them in between breakfast (biscuits and bacon) and our morning devotions. Thank you, Allyson, for leading us in waking up our bodies before we asked God to wake up our hearts. Then off to Greg’s
We were delighted that Robin was still home so we could say hello before she headed out to work. We gave her a prayer shawl so she can wrap herself in Love when she might need it, especially when she’s putting her house back together once we’ve gone
Yesterday, we finished the deconstruction. Today we got to start the construction. The electrical team spent the day in the attic prepping to install a ceiling fan. The rest of us started installing insulation and then slapping up some wall board and some other clean up tasks. We had several trips to Lowes today, buying wall board, dry wall screws, a shop vac and various other supplies. I forgot to report before, we are also doing some work on the back porch. Evan and Douglas (now called Wallace and Gromit) have got that insulated and mostly walled up. Good progress all around.
As with previous days, Alex has been an integral part of our team. It’s been a blessing to get to meet him, and to have an extra set of young muscles on the work site.
After the work day, one car did another run to Biscuit World and then to Beef Jerky. The other car needed to stay a little later to get the power back on, then went to Dairy Queen. We need to hit all the important milestone locations before Friday.
Pastor John decided we needed to have fun – as opposed to whatever we were having before. He supplied everyone with white Tyvek suits and finger paints. A picture is worth a thousand words so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. After, we decided that since we were already work dirty and paint dirty, it was the perfect time for whipped cream catching. Also see pictures for details
Dinner was homemade turkey soup. It was very much a “stone soup” recipe. Pastor John started the soup on Sunday Evening when we had smoked turkey for dinner. This evening, Kathy R started the soup and added some left overs. Allyson P went through the ‘fridge and added some more. Douglas & Nick threw in seasonings to taste. Yum.
As in past years, day three is a little panicky. We have one more day to wrap it up. It seems like a lot of work left. But past experience has shown it’ll come together. I have faith it will be that way tomorrow, but our heads are spinning with the tasks we have left to do. Thank you for your prayers.
Thursday, July 22
Breakfast, Essentrics & devotions; the now usual morning routine. Pastor John planned a series of devotion reflections based on the layers of the heart; knowing in your heart, following your heart. This week working for a friend and big-hearted person like Greg has made our conversations about heart pretty intense.
Today we needed to wrap it up at the work site. Our foreman from ’19, Clarence, joined us and really expedited installing the wall board. We also had another helper, Paige, Greg's Granddaughter. She is open and fun and a good worker. Our other final tasks were installing a ceiling fan, sorting the stuff to go back to the basement and general work site cleanup. As a bonus, we installed our left-over insulation in the ceiling of the basement. The extra insulation is not a complete job but it’s more than was there before. Overall, it’s looking pretty good. As expected, the walls still need to be painted and spackled. We’re hoping Greg will send us photos from when it’ all painted and finished
We were at the work site much later than usual, but we still managed to get to the Blue Ridge Bee Company before they closed. Well…. we got there as she was closing. Pastor John talked his way into the store and the rest of us followed to purchase all our honey needs for the long car ride home tomorrow.
Not surprisingly, we got back to the Folklife center fairly late but we still had enough time before sundown to play our ritual game of PIG (Customized version of HORSE basketball). Chris won. Allyson and Kathy K were 2nd and 3rd. We don’t usually list the runner ups, but since they knocked out all the young whipper-snappers, it seems worth mentioning.
After dinner, we were scheduled to have a yoga session but our leader canceled so we were joined again by Tim & Maggie. They brought part of their collection of reproduction renaissance instruments, some of which Tim had made. They were beautiful and interesting. It was great to hear their lecture/concert. As a bonus, we got a lesson in spoon playing. Another fun evening.
This is why we wear face masks on a work site.! All the dirt on this mask is dirt that wasn't inhaled
Friday, July 23
The last day in WV is always a little bitter sweet. At last night’s dinner and this morning’s breakfast we were pretty mindful of using up left overs, so packing up the kitchen went pretty smoothly. We had communion this morning which gave us a foretaste of a truly joyous world to come. We presented Tim with a mission trip t-shirt. It was special to have a week working with him too.
The last day in WV is always a little bitter sweet. At last night’s dinner and this morning’s breakfast we were pretty mindful of using up left overs, so packing up the kitchen went pretty smoothly. We had communion this morning which gave us a foretaste of a truly joyous world to come. We presented Tim with a mission trip t-shirt. It was special to have a week working with him too.
We almost made our goal of leaving the Folklife Center at 10:00, then on to Greg & Robin’s to say good bye to them. We meet their third grandchild, Morgan; another charming girl. We presented Greg, Robin & Alex with t-shirts since they’ve been important members of our team. It was great to check in with Robin and know that she's still talking to us after seeing our “finished” work.
From here the other car went off for a day of adventure while our car headed north to visit Margret and Geneva. Our car - John, Douglas, Evan, Alison & Allyson - made a coffee stop in Princeton to support their local businesses. We bought lemonade and ice tea from some kids who were having a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. We then went for doughnuts and then got coffee across the street. A happy coincidence, we saw Lori and got to give her one more hug ‘til next time.
We arrived in Wyco at 1:15 and had a great visit with Margret and Geneva. Margret has been very cautious during COVID and has not really been out. It’s been hard on her but she’s in her usual good spirits, filled with gratitude for all God has given her; surrounded by her beautiful flower gardens. Geneva is also doing well and full of laughter. Part of the visit was masked, but when she brought out the lemon cake, we had to take off our masks. After that she was more relaxed.
Then we high tailed it to Chambersburg, relatively speaking. We ate a late lunch at the New River Gorge Overlook, now that it’s a national park. We made a few stops for stretching and a dinner stop at a truck-stop-wings-place which was pretty darn good. We got to the hotel at 10:30. We are waiting for the other car to arrive to report in on their adventures.
Report form Car B
From Greg & Robin’s we went and had a leisurely lunch then on to Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Kathy R, Kathy K & Nick had not been there before. Chris is a veteran visitor. This year’s coal mine guide, Eddie, had a gritty take on how harsh coal mining life was. All guides are former coal miners so they have a real feel for what went on. Coincidently, we had met one of the tour guides in one of the camp houses on previous visit. She and we were memorable ‘cuz she had lived in Bedford (yup, Bedford MA).
On to the New River Gorge Overlook. We arrived 5 minutes after the other car had left. We went all the way down (many stairs) to the lowest platform. The view was great and always nice to stretch our legs.
From there we left the major highways and headed to the Monongahela National Forrest. As part of the forest, we went to the Cranberry Glade Botanical Area. Its location gives it a unique climate, significantly colder than its surroundings. Beautiful plants including rhododendrons in full bloom, and cranberries. Nick & Katy K were hoping to see a bear. There was evidence of bears and perhaps we heard one, but we can’t be sure
We left the cranberry bogs about 7pm, the time we normally would have arrived at our hotel. Defiantly time to head to Chambersburg. We were still on windy scenic roads, in the dark so no views but lots of laughs. A stop for a reviving dinner, and arrived at the hotel at 1AM, tired but happy (well perhaps punchy).
Our car voted Chris MVD, most valuable driver.
Saturday, July 24
Out last day, we are back in Bedford. As in past years, today was pretty much an express trip back home. There was a lot of debriefing in the car and making a list of things we could differently next time.
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Out last day, we are back in Bedford. As in past years, today was pretty much an express trip back home. There was a lot of debriefing in the car and making a list of things we could differently next time.
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This amazing trip to West Virginia was fun & funny - but most importantly, so emotionally powerful. I was so moved & humbled to be able to help another family. And they were so grateful for our help. But it was also hard for them to let us “invade” their space, so to speak.
And it was touchy for me to be among the “Yankees” (my words) from up north who came in to help. So, we ALL had to be open to the giving & receiving, the doing & undoing, & just let things unfold.
I loved working on the house & learning new skills - even with my bad back & knees!
Overall, as helpful as I know we were to this beautiful extended family, I truly believe I got more out of the experience than they did!!
Kathy R (Prima/ Misty)
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And it was touchy for me to be among the “Yankees” (my words) from up north who came in to help. So, we ALL had to be open to the giving & receiving, the doing & undoing, & just let things unfold.
I loved working on the house & learning new skills - even with my bad back & knees!
Overall, as helpful as I know we were to this beautiful extended family, I truly believe I got more out of the experience than they did!!
Kathy R (Prima/ Misty)
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One of the threads in the tapestry of the mission trip is strengthening relationships. This trip doubled-knotted many of these friendships with our “partners.” We spent more quality/work/casual time with Tim and Maggie, Greg and family and Lori and Robert than ever before. Some of it was planned. Some of it was God-cidental. And we spent just about every waking moment with each other - the Trippers - exchanging stories, laughing, singing and searching for choco-tacos. Heart-full.
- Allyson (Sunshine/ Scooter)
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This trip started with two opposite emotions, anxiety and anticipation; both for the work and the mission experience. As we head home, I understand why the mission trippers are so excited for each trip and that there was no need to worry. There was the beautiful, restorative Folklife Center; devotions and prayers in the morning; the sense that God was tweaking plans all the time; conversation, laughter, and singing on the car rides; getting to know Greg and his family and developing a deep wish to do our best which allowed us to work beyond what we thought possible; spontaneous concerts with Lori, Robert, Tim, and Maggie; sunrises over misty mountains; working together on meals; stops with hikes and overlooks to see this beautiful landscape; showers, fun and games at the end of day to wash away the tiredness; amazing food provided by folks at home from smoked meats to mountains of cookies at every meal; and much more. Huge thanks and major respect to all the planning and effort put in by Pastor John and Allyson - the week has been an absolute joy in more ways than I could possibly describe. My heart is full.
- Kathy Konkle (AKA Rosie ;-))
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This week has been a very personal experience, whether it being with the team in the car; or Tim, Maggie, Lori, Greg; or a list longer than could fit in this sentence. This week has left me, and it seems others, more emotionally full and with more new and personal connections than past years. I know you’ve seen every other day’s details but the experience under the bare bones of what we did was so indescribably deeper.
Meticulous Nicholas (Gonzo)
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Just like previous years, the total experience of this trip is so much more than the sum of the parts. However, this year was very different since there were many “first” re-opening experiences; riding in a car with non-family members, singing together, eating in a restaurant, hearing live music, etc. So many things were simultaneously “what we always do” on the mission trip and unique since I haven’t done them in 16 months. All connections with team members and WV partners became extra special.
Alison (Beaker)
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Pastor John has always stressed the importance of relationship in mission, and more than any other year, I feel like we lived and breathed it every day. Not only did we get to reinforce our continuing partnership with the Folklife Center, but we got to work with Greg and Tim in entirely new and more meaningful ways. Greg and Robin were visibly touched by our willingness to spend our week supporting them both tangibly and spiritually. It was also great to work with and get to know their grandchildren who mean so much to them. We also got to spend more time with Tim, Maggie, Lori and Rob in unexpected ways, working together on site, breaking bread at dinner and enjoying their musical gifts in what felt like a very personal reunion concert. Finally, just as meaningful was being able to spend the week with such an amazing group of Mission Trippers. After a year off where it was so difficult to maintain social relationships, what a joy it was to be able to share such a personal and spiritual experience with our extended First Church family.
Chris (Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Doc)
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Chris (Dr. Bunsen Honeydew/Doc)
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It was a great trip. It was nice helping Greg, someone who has helped so many others and who we have known for so long. We had a great crew and I hope next year is as amazing.
Evan (Wallace)
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My favorite part of the trip was driving through Bluefield with Greg to pick up tools and gravel. I enjoyed getting to experience his day to day life and how it differs from ours. The way he kindly greets every stranger in the store is very different from the New England way.
Douglas (Gromit/Cover Boy)
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I have two messages for the blog, one as a Pastor and one as a Participant. So here is the Pastor one:
There is so much to say about this trip. Like all mission trips, there is more than meets the eye, and this was especially true this year. My devotion theme for the week was "Open Hearts" as I reflected on what the word "heart" really means in the Bible and then what that means for us. In the Bible, the heart is not just about emotions it has many layers and nuances. It is the seat of emotions, no doubt,. It is the place where you feel compassion. Yet in biblical times, compassion was not felt in the chest, but in the bowels (as a mission tripper can explain this to you - ask them). The heart is also the place where deep wisdom, discernment and knowledge comes. It is the place where we see and hear beyond the surface. Even more, the heart is the place where your conscience is: the part of you that calls you and your world to accountability. It is also the place where you the "engine" that drives you resides - where your motivation lies. Finally and ultimately, the heart is the place where you encounter God. While others search for signs and wonders in the world, God is most present in the heart.
The powerful part of a mission trip is how it can open your heart unlike any other experience, and we found this out each day. Every layer of what is involved in an open and active heart is also required of us during this Mission Trip. I cannot say how proud I am of our crew of nine open-hearted, fully alive, totally faithful souls who took a risk coming down here and found God alive and active in the world, but especially in their hearts. You all are very special to me. Nothing binds hearts like a mission trip and I am in total awe of the depth and strength of all your hearts! Thanks to each and every one of you!
And now as a Participant:
As many know, one of my recent key spiritual growth areas is honoring Sabbath in my life: taking care of myself, feeling okay with taking a break, etc. So when I found out we were going to be helping Greg, I had a feeling I was in for an even bigger lesson. I knew Greg as one of the biggest care-givers I ever met. His sacrifice for both family and the Folklife Center is astounding. For instance, I know that he will not eat food until his children and grandchildren are fully fed. He will not eat with us even, but later that evening, will look through the fridge to see what's there. So for Greg, to accept this kind of help might have been the hardest thing he ever had to do. I found out quickly that this was twice as true for his wife, Robin. Tim was pretty clear that this is why he chose us for this job - he knew that we knew and loved Greg and Robin and would be able to help them in the most loving and respectful way.
So this week was as much about pastoral care for me as it was the construction. My trips to Lowes for material was as much a conversation with Greg: about listening to his life story, acknowledging his anxious feelings about the project and talking from my experience of needing care, and being in solidarity with him. On the surface, there might be no two more different people than Greg and me, but deep down, we are in solidarity - we are brothers.
A wise pastor once said that a sermon is a "cry for help" and I would not go that far all the time. But often it is. So as I was talking about how caregivers like him needed to be cared for or they will burn out, I knew I was also talking to myself. And that is one of the key lessons I think anyone can learn on a mission trip. You are not there to come in to someone's life and take care of someone who is "needy" or "less fortunate." You are there to connect your own sense of poverty, neediness with theirs, to open your heart to that reality and to learn and grow and change. Then you are equals: both in need of redemption, help - grace!
There were so many other instances where people on the mission team stepped up and took care of things that I usually take care of. That was grace as well. Probably the most helpful way is how Alison Weaver took responsibility for the blogs this week. I would spend a lot of time late at night doing this in years past. I am totally grateful for Allyson taking responsiblity for this without being asked, for doing such an amazing job and for granting me more sleep and less anxiety during the trip - thanks Alison!
Pastor John (Fozzie or Biscuit - I answer to either!)
There is so much to say about this trip. Like all mission trips, there is more than meets the eye, and this was especially true this year. My devotion theme for the week was "Open Hearts" as I reflected on what the word "heart" really means in the Bible and then what that means for us. In the Bible, the heart is not just about emotions it has many layers and nuances. It is the seat of emotions, no doubt,. It is the place where you feel compassion. Yet in biblical times, compassion was not felt in the chest, but in the bowels (as a mission tripper can explain this to you - ask them). The heart is also the place where deep wisdom, discernment and knowledge comes. It is the place where we see and hear beyond the surface. Even more, the heart is the place where your conscience is: the part of you that calls you and your world to accountability. It is also the place where you the "engine" that drives you resides - where your motivation lies. Finally and ultimately, the heart is the place where you encounter God. While others search for signs and wonders in the world, God is most present in the heart.
The powerful part of a mission trip is how it can open your heart unlike any other experience, and we found this out each day. Every layer of what is involved in an open and active heart is also required of us during this Mission Trip. I cannot say how proud I am of our crew of nine open-hearted, fully alive, totally faithful souls who took a risk coming down here and found God alive and active in the world, but especially in their hearts. You all are very special to me. Nothing binds hearts like a mission trip and I am in total awe of the depth and strength of all your hearts! Thanks to each and every one of you!
And now as a Participant:
As many know, one of my recent key spiritual growth areas is honoring Sabbath in my life: taking care of myself, feeling okay with taking a break, etc. So when I found out we were going to be helping Greg, I had a feeling I was in for an even bigger lesson. I knew Greg as one of the biggest care-givers I ever met. His sacrifice for both family and the Folklife Center is astounding. For instance, I know that he will not eat food until his children and grandchildren are fully fed. He will not eat with us even, but later that evening, will look through the fridge to see what's there. So for Greg, to accept this kind of help might have been the hardest thing he ever had to do. I found out quickly that this was twice as true for his wife, Robin. Tim was pretty clear that this is why he chose us for this job - he knew that we knew and loved Greg and Robin and would be able to help them in the most loving and respectful way.
So this week was as much about pastoral care for me as it was the construction. My trips to Lowes for material was as much a conversation with Greg: about listening to his life story, acknowledging his anxious feelings about the project and talking from my experience of needing care, and being in solidarity with him. On the surface, there might be no two more different people than Greg and me, but deep down, we are in solidarity - we are brothers.
A wise pastor once said that a sermon is a "cry for help" and I would not go that far all the time. But often it is. So as I was talking about how caregivers like him needed to be cared for or they will burn out, I knew I was also talking to myself. And that is one of the key lessons I think anyone can learn on a mission trip. You are not there to come in to someone's life and take care of someone who is "needy" or "less fortunate." You are there to connect your own sense of poverty, neediness with theirs, to open your heart to that reality and to learn and grow and change. Then you are equals: both in need of redemption, help - grace!
There were so many other instances where people on the mission team stepped up and took care of things that I usually take care of. That was grace as well. Probably the most helpful way is how Alison Weaver took responsibility for the blogs this week. I would spend a lot of time late at night doing this in years past. I am totally grateful for Allyson taking responsiblity for this without being asked, for doing such an amazing job and for granting me more sleep and less anxiety during the trip - thanks Alison!
Pastor John (Fozzie or Biscuit - I answer to either!)