by Aly Bufton, EM Summer Staff in Kentucky
The progress and the change that has been happening in Pikeville continues to blow my mind. Each week the projects are getting done faster than we expect, and the relationships being built continue to grow. I've never felt a deeper connection with a place in such a short amount of time. Pikeville, Kentucky truly holds a special spot in my heart: the community, the people, and the work being done here is so grand that I know God's hand is present.
This week we had a group of three from West Virginia, a couple from Virginia, and a group of 15 from Bourbonnais Church of Christ in Chicago. It was so fun to see the groups interact with each other during meals and evening gatherings, and to see all the new friendships that formed.
This week we continued working at Susie's house with Habitat for Humanity, continued working on the new wall at Winston & Debbie's, painting at the Pregnancy Center, and fun and games at the nursing home. Each day groups came back with bigger smiles than the day before and so much joy for the relationships being made with the community.
Here are some photos that show progress of what work is being done here. Adam, Rubie, and I are so excited to be able to see the Lord's work being done in this community.
Last week there wasn't a wall there, but now Winston & Debbie have a wall, fresh paint, new floor boards and crown molding, and will soon have new flooring.
Some others from the group from Bourbonnais Church of Christ was able to visit the nursing home in the afternoons. They were able to gift dozens of "lapghans" to the residents. This is Sadie, and she was ecstatic to receive this beautiful, handmade lapghan.
The Chicago group was able to paint at the local Christian school. They painted and sealed the floors, painted ceilings, and were able to talk with the principal and a few other teachers at the school. The group from West Virginia volunteered at Habitat for Humanity most of the week, but took a morning off to help out at the pregnancy center tearing down vines, scraping paint, and enjoying the company of the residents at the nursing home in the afternoons.
Susie's house now has windows and doors and siding! She was handed the keys to her new home on Thursday. What a truly incredible gift to be able to witness for such an incredible person!
We had such a great group this week. Everyone was so willing to do whatever work was needed, and so kind to all they encountered. You never would have guessed that just a few days prior to this photo that many of these people walked through the doors as strangers. It is incredible to see that each person here left with 22 new friends. We can't wait to see what the Lord has coming in the days ahead!
LEARN MORE | 2017 Mission Trips in Kentucky!
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