It's time for greatness-not for greed. It's a time for idealism-not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.
Marian Wright Edelman
Last night we reflected on what it means to be isolated and/or lonely, a problem everywhere. Once again, many wonderful insights were given.
Today a group went up and finished the St. Vincent DePaul ramp in Cyclone. The rain held off for the day, but it was still too damp to put the non-slip strips on, so a small group will go up tomorrow to do that.
Another small group of PVs went out to Foxy Lady's house to finish laying her red tile and new sink in her bathroom, as well as fix a leaky back porch. As always she was a delight to be around, feeding a wonderful lunch to all the volunteers that were there.
The last two groups of volunteers did a lot in helping us wind down the summer. One group made a St. Vincent DePaul-Dump-School-Long Branch-Simon-Lilydale trip, while the other group stayed back at the school to beginning the "deap cleaning" processes, tackling the four bathrooms and the showers. All the work done already to close up the program, will make everything that much smoother for Friday.
Tonights dinner, chicken or veggie curry. I have to say, we have been fed quite well this summer.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.
Ambrose Redmoon
Last night we were asked to reflect on what it is that we have seen during our time that pierces our hearts. It was a beautiful sharing of the struggles, the people, the land and the resources.
Today we once again had rain. Fortunately it was spotty around the county, so all but one of our work crews continued their tasks.
Work was continued on the ramp up in Cyclone. Volunteers also finished up at the house on Bud Mountain. We also worked up at Foxy Lady's house fixing a bathroom floor and a porch roof.
Today was also the last day of tutoring for the summer. Mary and Kristina, who headed up the tutoring program this year, did a wonderful job. It was wonderful to watch as the kids grew more and more comfortable. They seemed to have really improved in their math and reading.
The volunteers who tutored were going to go outside and paint the dugouts but with the rain they had to hold off. Instead they started to help pack up and clean the school. We got a wonderful jump start on closing up the school.
In the morning we also brought the newly made beds down to the house and set them up. They really are going to be a wonderful addition.
Tonight for dinner we are being treated to a wonderful Italian meal. Yummo!
Ambrose Redmoon
Last night we were asked to reflect on what it is that we have seen during our time that pierces our hearts. It was a beautiful sharing of the struggles, the people, the land and the resources.
Today we once again had rain. Fortunately it was spotty around the county, so all but one of our work crews continued their tasks.
Work was continued on the ramp up in Cyclone. Volunteers also finished up at the house on Bud Mountain. We also worked up at Foxy Lady's house fixing a bathroom floor and a porch roof.
Today was also the last day of tutoring for the summer. Mary and Kristina, who headed up the tutoring program this year, did a wonderful job. It was wonderful to watch as the kids grew more and more comfortable. They seemed to have really improved in their math and reading.
The volunteers who tutored were going to go outside and paint the dugouts but with the rain they had to hold off. Instead they started to help pack up and clean the school. We got a wonderful jump start on closing up the school.
In the morning we also brought the newly made beds down to the house and set them up. They really are going to be a wonderful addition.
Tonight for dinner we are being treated to a wonderful Italian meal. Yummo!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Keep doing good deeds long enough, and you'll probably turn out a good man in spite of yourself.
Louis Auchincloss
Today marks the beginning of the last week of the summer program in West Virginia. It is amazing that we have been here for two months!!!
We may be smaller in number this week, 18, but we are a mighty force! This week, we are finishing up with the home repair sites that we have committed to. Our biggest crew was sent out to finish up a ramp in Cyclone that was started by a St. Vincent DePaul group from Pittsburgh. It is a long one, so there is still a lot to do.
We also sent out two smaller crews, one to finish up on Bud Mountain and the other to organize at St. Vincent DePaul. In addition, another small group (ok just the two directors) began the packing up process at the school.
Tonight for dinner we are being treated to Wimpy's. I've never had them before, but I'm told they are a lot like Sloppy Joe's. Sounds good to me!!!
Louis Auchincloss
Today marks the beginning of the last week of the summer program in West Virginia. It is amazing that we have been here for two months!!!
We may be smaller in number this week, 18, but we are a mighty force! This week, we are finishing up with the home repair sites that we have committed to. Our biggest crew was sent out to finish up a ramp in Cyclone that was started by a St. Vincent DePaul group from Pittsburgh. It is a long one, so there is still a lot to do.
We also sent out two smaller crews, one to finish up on Bud Mountain and the other to organize at St. Vincent DePaul. In addition, another small group (ok just the two directors) began the packing up process at the school.
Tonight for dinner we are being treated to Wimpy's. I've never had them before, but I'm told they are a lot like Sloppy Joe's. Sounds good to me!!!
A few week 6 pictures for your enjoyment....
The community gathers for prayer before a wonderful Peruvian feast
This flooring proved to be rather challenging, but the volunteers did a wonderful job
The hallways in the school are always full of a lot of activity
The PVs did a wonderful job building this porch and stairs
One of the highlights of Ocean Camp was the hermit crab races. Here two crabs warm up before the race.
The second day of camp, UGWA sent over a trio of VISTA volunteers to teach the kids about the water systems
The kids and volunteers created their own ocean themed shirts that they wore for Friday's performance.
Volunteers enjoyed a rope swing over the creek behind the school. Don't be alarmed, everyone wore a safety harness
The official week 6 group shot
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