Monday, July 30, 2012
Week 6 Pictures
As always, a sampling of pictures from the final week of the summer program. More can be found on our facebook page.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
"Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture."
Kak Sri
Today marked the end of the 2012 PV Summer Program. The day was spent moving all our stuff to the St. Vincent DePaul building in Pineville for storage. SVdP, as always, was very generous giving us a few spaces to put everything. Volunteers worked very hard with the moving and the cleaning of the school.
After all the cleaning was done we treated the volunteers to pizza. We had already packed our plates, bowls, and the like, so pizza was perfect!
For our final closing service of the summer we played the Garth Brooks song "The River," and talked about how our experience is much like a river with rapids, tide, bends, smooth sailing, etc. Volunteers shared a moment when their ride was exhilarating.
As a special treat after reflection we watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics together. A nice way to end the summer.
Pictures for the week won't be up right away due to travel, but look for them soon!
Kak Sri
Today marked the end of the 2012 PV Summer Program. The day was spent moving all our stuff to the St. Vincent DePaul building in Pineville for storage. SVdP, as always, was very generous giving us a few spaces to put everything. Volunteers worked very hard with the moving and the cleaning of the school.
After all the cleaning was done we treated the volunteers to pizza. We had already packed our plates, bowls, and the like, so pizza was perfect!
For our final closing service of the summer we played the Garth Brooks song "The River," and talked about how our experience is much like a river with rapids, tide, bends, smooth sailing, etc. Volunteers shared a moment when their ride was exhilarating.
As a special treat after reflection we watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics together. A nice way to end the summer.
Pictures for the week won't be up right away due to travel, but look for them soon!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
"I many not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."
Douglas Adams
Today was another hot and humid day in Wyoming County. The crew that went to finish the roof tried to get there as soon as possible and to work to get it done before the heat became unbearable. Just as they were putting the last screws in the heat started to get to them.
We sent a group to continue drywalling at The Way and another group to the Itmann School House to continue with all the projects there. We knew going into both of these projects that they would not be completed this summer, but the work the volunteers did was tremendous and much appreciated by the local agencies that we worked with.
Another group went to St. Vincent DePaul to help clean out the warehouse a bit and make it easier for the big move tomorrow.
The final group stayed back at the school to run the camps. The morning sports camp was WhiffleBall (baseball being way too dangerous inside). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. In the afternoon the group did two crafts, played a game and read a story.
Dinner this evening was a repeat of the dinners from the week trying to finish up the leftovers. In addition, to try and use up the eggs there was an egg, cheese and potato casserole. Everything was delicious, yet again.
Reflection tonight focused on the tools we use each and every day as PVs. We were given a "tool," everything from a hammer to soccer ball to represent the tools we as PVs use. We were asked to share a tool we used and its significance. The reflection closed with the group singing "If I Had a Hammer."
Douglas Adams
Today was another hot and humid day in Wyoming County. The crew that went to finish the roof tried to get there as soon as possible and to work to get it done before the heat became unbearable. Just as they were putting the last screws in the heat started to get to them.
We sent a group to continue drywalling at The Way and another group to the Itmann School House to continue with all the projects there. We knew going into both of these projects that they would not be completed this summer, but the work the volunteers did was tremendous and much appreciated by the local agencies that we worked with.
Another group went to St. Vincent DePaul to help clean out the warehouse a bit and make it easier for the big move tomorrow.
The final group stayed back at the school to run the camps. The morning sports camp was WhiffleBall (baseball being way too dangerous inside). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. In the afternoon the group did two crafts, played a game and read a story.
Dinner this evening was a repeat of the dinners from the week trying to finish up the leftovers. In addition, to try and use up the eggs there was an egg, cheese and potato casserole. Everything was delicious, yet again.
Reflection tonight focused on the tools we use each and every day as PVs. We were given a "tool," everything from a hammer to soccer ball to represent the tools we as PVs use. We were asked to share a tool we used and its significance. The reflection closed with the group singing "If I Had a Hammer."
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Howard Thurman
Another great day in PVland. Volunteers were spread out throughout the county at three different home repair sites and camps. The volunteers headed back to Ravencliffe to work on the roof and finishing up inside. The roof made for hot afternoon, but all the rubber was laid down and now the metal trimming is all that it is left to do.
A group of volunteers returned to the Itmann School House to continue with the dry-walling. They also moved the stage to other room that will eventually be a museum and visitors center and begun work on a ramp coming in from the back door.
Another group went to work at The Way youth center in Mullens. The building has made a great strides since last summer. They have opened to work with kids, but they still need some help with some finishing touches.
The final site for the day were the camps. The morning sports camp was soccer. None of the kids had played soccer before, but by the end of the two hours you would have never known it, they were great! In the afternoon camp the kids read a couple of stories and did some group dances.
Dinner tonight was a delicious lasagne, salad and garlic bread. Everything was fabulous! For dessert after reflection, we had chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. Yummy!
This evenings reflection was all around the idea that many things and many people have rough edges, but once you get to know them they are a gem. We were asked to talk about someone we have met that fits that description.
Howard Thurman
Another great day in PVland. Volunteers were spread out throughout the county at three different home repair sites and camps. The volunteers headed back to Ravencliffe to work on the roof and finishing up inside. The roof made for hot afternoon, but all the rubber was laid down and now the metal trimming is all that it is left to do.
A group of volunteers returned to the Itmann School House to continue with the dry-walling. They also moved the stage to other room that will eventually be a museum and visitors center and begun work on a ramp coming in from the back door.
Another group went to work at The Way youth center in Mullens. The building has made a great strides since last summer. They have opened to work with kids, but they still need some help with some finishing touches.
The final site for the day were the camps. The morning sports camp was soccer. None of the kids had played soccer before, but by the end of the two hours you would have never known it, they were great! In the afternoon camp the kids read a couple of stories and did some group dances.
Dinner tonight was a delicious lasagne, salad and garlic bread. Everything was fabulous! For dessert after reflection, we had chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. Yummy!
This evenings reflection was all around the idea that many things and many people have rough edges, but once you get to know them they are a gem. We were asked to talk about someone we have met that fits that description.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
"To love. To be love. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget."
Arundhati Roy
Today's big challenge was rain, rain and more rain. Even though there was only a 30% chance of rain today, it pretty much rained on and off (mostly on) all day throughout the county, at all the sites.
Volunteers went back to the site in Pineville and finished up with the stairs and the window. They pretty much to dodge rain all day, but were able to complete the project. The homeowner was very pleased with all the work that had been done.
We also finished the site on top of the mountain that we started last week. The rest of the kitchen tile was laid and the last bit of guttering was finished. The kitchen looks gorgeous and the owner was very pleased with all the work the volunteers did over the days.
Work also continued at the site in Ravencliffe where volunteers were doing flooring and roofing. Because of the rain not much was done on the roof, but the flooring is pretty much completed. Tomorrow we will continue with laying in the rubber roof and start to put up the metal stripping around the outside of the trailer.
A group went back to the Itmann School House to continue work there. A lot of drywall was hung and some framing was done. After the rain slowed a bit volunteers went outside to pull up the knot-weed that was growing back in the front.
The final group of PVs stayed back at the school for camp. The morning sports camp spotlight was on basketball today. The kids learned a lot of new skills and had a lot of fun in the process of learning. After sharing lunch together, the volunteers and the kids had their afternoon day camp. Today the kids made tube people puppets, played kickball and had a puppet show. By all accounts it was a fun, but tiring day.
By the time dinner rolled around everyone was hungry and ready for a good meal. Tonight's menu was a pasta bake, rolls and a salad. For dessert we had no bake cookies and homemade ice cream. We certainly never go hungry here....
Tonight's reflection focused on the idea of an earthen vessel and brokenness. How when we are broken and cracked it allows things to flow through us and from us. The reflection tied very nicely into the PV Vision statement and the lie about "embracing our brokenness and the brokenness of others."
Arundhati Roy
Today's big challenge was rain, rain and more rain. Even though there was only a 30% chance of rain today, it pretty much rained on and off (mostly on) all day throughout the county, at all the sites.
Volunteers went back to the site in Pineville and finished up with the stairs and the window. They pretty much to dodge rain all day, but were able to complete the project. The homeowner was very pleased with all the work that had been done.
We also finished the site on top of the mountain that we started last week. The rest of the kitchen tile was laid and the last bit of guttering was finished. The kitchen looks gorgeous and the owner was very pleased with all the work the volunteers did over the days.
Work also continued at the site in Ravencliffe where volunteers were doing flooring and roofing. Because of the rain not much was done on the roof, but the flooring is pretty much completed. Tomorrow we will continue with laying in the rubber roof and start to put up the metal stripping around the outside of the trailer.
A group went back to the Itmann School House to continue work there. A lot of drywall was hung and some framing was done. After the rain slowed a bit volunteers went outside to pull up the knot-weed that was growing back in the front.
The final group of PVs stayed back at the school for camp. The morning sports camp spotlight was on basketball today. The kids learned a lot of new skills and had a lot of fun in the process of learning. After sharing lunch together, the volunteers and the kids had their afternoon day camp. Today the kids made tube people puppets, played kickball and had a puppet show. By all accounts it was a fun, but tiring day.
By the time dinner rolled around everyone was hungry and ready for a good meal. Tonight's menu was a pasta bake, rolls and a salad. For dessert we had no bake cookies and homemade ice cream. We certainly never go hungry here....
Tonight's reflection focused on the idea of an earthen vessel and brokenness. How when we are broken and cracked it allows things to flow through us and from us. The reflection tied very nicely into the PV Vision statement and the lie about "embracing our brokenness and the brokenness of others."
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Stained Glass Auction Update
The bidding for the Stained Glass will be closed at 7:45pm on Thursday.
The current bid stands at $151.
If you are interested in putting in a bid please email us at pvprogram@gmail.com
Monday, July 23, 2012
"I do not understand the mystery of grace -- only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us."
Anne Lamott
Driving away from the school this morning was absolutely breathtaking. Mist and clouds were settled into the valleys between the mountains, but the sun was shining down through the clouds. It was gorgeous.
Volunteers set out to three different home repair sites, as well as our camps. This week we have two camps going on, a sports camp in the morning and a day camp in the afternoon. For the sports camp today, the kids learned different skills in volleyball. They learned the difference between a set, a serve and a hit. In the afternoon the kids enjoyed playing games and doing a craft. We were pleased with the turnout for the first day and hope that the camp grows as the week goes on.
We returned to the site on top of the mountain that we started last Thursday. Volunteers continued working on the floors and begun tiling the kitchen. With the storms approaching they were not able to finish the guttering.
We also started two new sites. The first was a roofing site up in Ravencliffe that also included flooring. The volunteers got a great start on both projects, but we will be retuning there tomorrow to finish up.
The final site of the day was a site in Pineville that included repairing a set of steps and replacing a window. The steps were pretty much cut and will just need nailed down tomorrow. The window was taken down and closed off. Tomorrow it will be insulated and drywalled.
For dinner we were treated to a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing and the works. What a nice warm and comforting meal.
The focus of reflection was obstacles and how they are overcome. We were asked to share when we overcame an obstacle or when we witnessed someone overcoming an obstacle.
Anne Lamott
Driving away from the school this morning was absolutely breathtaking. Mist and clouds were settled into the valleys between the mountains, but the sun was shining down through the clouds. It was gorgeous.
Volunteers set out to three different home repair sites, as well as our camps. This week we have two camps going on, a sports camp in the morning and a day camp in the afternoon. For the sports camp today, the kids learned different skills in volleyball. They learned the difference between a set, a serve and a hit. In the afternoon the kids enjoyed playing games and doing a craft. We were pleased with the turnout for the first day and hope that the camp grows as the week goes on.
We returned to the site on top of the mountain that we started last Thursday. Volunteers continued working on the floors and begun tiling the kitchen. With the storms approaching they were not able to finish the guttering.
We also started two new sites. The first was a roofing site up in Ravencliffe that also included flooring. The volunteers got a great start on both projects, but we will be retuning there tomorrow to finish up.
The final site of the day was a site in Pineville that included repairing a set of steps and replacing a window. The steps were pretty much cut and will just need nailed down tomorrow. The window was taken down and closed off. Tomorrow it will be insulated and drywalled.
For dinner we were treated to a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing and the works. What a nice warm and comforting meal.
The focus of reflection was obstacles and how they are overcome. We were asked to share when we overcame an obstacle or when we witnessed someone overcoming an obstacle.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
This weekend was a busy one with 17 people leaving and 25 coming in.Everyone arrived safe and sound and ready to tackle the week ahead. For our community day activity we decided to try out a new place close to the school, Panther State Forrest. Our plan was to go hiking but when we arrived we were informed that there weren't any hiking trails per say anymore, only access roads that were not open to vehicle traffic. We decide to head down one of these that followed a creek and it ended up being quite pretty. The park had just mowed the weeds down, so it was pleasant walking.
After our Sunday cookout we gathered all the newly arrived PVs for a reorientation and reminder of some of our policies and rules. We moved right from the reorientation into the commissioning service. This week we commissioned more people at once than we did all summer.
Right after commissioning and jobsites work began. We need to roll out, cut and measure roofing materials that we will be using tomorrow as well as the camp people needed to organize for the upcoming week of camps. It was a busy den of activity until well past 10pm. Needless to say, I think everyone will get a good nights sleep tonight!
After our Sunday cookout we gathered all the newly arrived PVs for a reorientation and reminder of some of our policies and rules. We moved right from the reorientation into the commissioning service. This week we commissioned more people at once than we did all summer.
Right after commissioning and jobsites work began. We need to roll out, cut and measure roofing materials that we will be using tomorrow as well as the camp people needed to organize for the upcoming week of camps. It was a busy den of activity until well past 10pm. Needless to say, I think everyone will get a good nights sleep tonight!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
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