Global Volunteers Work and Learn in West Virginia

Fran and Kathy hard at work at Oak Hill.

Today felt like a “big day” for volunteer work in Oak Hill, West Virginia. The community center work was productive. Most of us did a mixture of tasks – new ones, and ones that we did yesterday. Helen helped at the food bank, which packed and distributed food today. Fran and Kathy worked on repairing a ceiling. Jonah helped install a drop ceiling in one of the classrooms.

We were joined today by Alexis, a high school student from Harper’s Ferry who is doing an internship. She and Mary Beth sanded and worked on shelving books in the café. John and Arlin continued framing and dry walling. Amy watched over everyone.

When we went over highs and lows (“roses and thorns”) at dinner, we agreed the only lows related to the challenges facing the local community.  It’s hard sometimes to understand why some people have to live such difficult lives.

Dinner was greatly enjoyed – chili, salad, cornbread, and chips. Afterward, we were treated to live music by country singer Billy Payne from nearby Page, WV.  What an amazing way top end the day!

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace; a soul generated by love.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)