Driving the winding and corkscrew roads of West Virginia in the fall cannot be more beautiful. Bryan and I had the opportunity to spend the end of October traveling the better part of the state of West Virginia and what a joy it was! Bryan started in Mingo county and attended service at First Baptist Church; he met some lovely church ladies and later was able to talk with Pastor Ferd at Fifth Ave Church of Christ. He then headed off to Logan and attended service with New Covenant Fellowship. Everyone is doing well and Pastor Ron preached. Bryan met with some community friends in Logan and Delbarton over the next two days before heading to Charleston where I joined the trip.
We traveled to Beckley for a Wednesday night church service. We quickly realized that we didn’t know the location of the church we were hoping to attend. When we called the church for directions, a sweet man answered the phone and told us to meet him at the gas station. He explained that he would be in a blue Subaru and lead us the rest of the way. A few blue Subarus later, he arrived and we were on our way. The church was very friendly and excitedly welcomed us. We enjoyed everyone we met and were encouraged by the Beckley community which will be our new West Virginia site this summer.
Making Apple Butter
After we met more Raleigh county community members the next day, we made our way to Lincoln County. We had dinner with the Midkiffs, the Prichards and Pastor from West Hamlin UMC. We heard stories of past adventures in
Peeling the apples
squirrel hunting, four wheeling and so much more. Bryan and I had our very first chestnuts. Thank you Ms. Lottie! I wanted to sing chestnuts roasting on an open fire (but there was no open fire and I refrained). To end the night, Duane gave us his famous walking sticks. The next day we watched Micheal and the Lincoln County Cloggers perform followed by the making of large amounts of apple butter. Bryan and I helped peel, cut and wash approximately 110 gallons worth of apples.
The next Sunday morning was spent with Canaan UMC participating in a lovely All Saints Day service and then we of course went out to lunch with the ‘gang’. It was so much fun; it is great to feel loved by a body of people and to love them in return. Bryan and I went to the community dinner that night where Margie displayed pictures of her travels to Russia. Margie will be going to not only Russia but Siberia this Christmas season!
Look at that Peel!
West Virginia…you will be missed until next time.
Heather, RD
This summer has flown by, and I have loved being Program in Logan, WV. It is amazing to connect with youth while scraping paint, installing drywall, and playing four-square. As the weeks have progressed, I have seen God doing innumerable incredible things in the hearts of high school students, in the lives of community members, and in my own hardened heart as well. At the beginning of the summer, someone advised me to lay everything before God and to let Him carry my burden. This piece of advice has absolutely been one of the best things I have ever been told, and in turning to God in all things, I have seen His hands and heard his voice every single day here. Throughout changes, transitions, unexpected turns, and bumps along the way, I have been able to rely on Him, and He has changed me beyond measure and is still doing so.
Painting with love. The finished product of work often exceeds just the fresh coat of paint on the house, because it extends to the relationship built from being with the homeowner. The youth are so excited to have met someone and learned about them, while the homeowner is forever grateful for the time that we spent with them.
