UDLC'S SUMMER YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO APPALACHIA

Since July 2004, Upper Dublin has been sending a group of youth and adults to work making homes warmer, safer, and drier. The 6 days spent serving these families is only part of it, it creates memories and friendships to last a life time.

This is a Christian home repair project in the five state Appalachia region, with over 14,000 volunteers this past summer. It is a service project for teenagers, who do the construction work in crews of 7, five youth and two adults. Each crew works on only one house all week, Monday to Friday.

The range of expertise is wide, as we do new room or porch additions, roof repair, insulation, drainage ditch digging, painting and spackling, sheet-rocking and more! We work hard with our families, do daily chores back at the center where we live, eat and worship together and have a great time meeting other church groups! Lives are changed, faith is deepened, and we're eager to do it again next year already!

Feel free to read just some of the youth's reactions and reflections on being a Disciple of Christ in SERVICE for others!

"I was helping one of the most warm and nice people I've ever met. In less than a week a family invited complete strangers into their house and welcomed us with open arms…During the week I was with six others digging a drainage ditch…it was all rock and nearly impossible to break with shovels! After the week was over, we'd dug 120 feet and put in a pipe that was covered in gravel…At the end of the trip I had met new people and found relationships with them that will last…This was a wonderful trip and I would do it all again anytime!"

-Kile H.

"I saw God in so many ways this week--in the wife and her amazing strength and courage to ask for help, and giving up her pride…They didn't care where they lived as long as they had each other….The little boy had such an effect on us all, and the last day we gave them gifts…it was so hard to leave.

"The last night at Evening Gathering we shared our feelings…and there weren't any dry eyes anywhere! Even the men and boys were in tears!

"For the first time I didn't mind getting dirty or wearing the same disgusting pants day after day, because I knew the effect we had on the family just because we were there for them..."

-Joanne T.

"I was not expecting to have my jaw drop to the floor and think how could anyone live like this?… The trailer was made in 1974 and smelled like rotting wood and mold..When I saw the bathroom, I thought "WOW" our work is cut out for us.

"My work crew was amazing in every way. I was able to see everyone's talent shine at one point in time throughout the week…. We were able to finish the bathroom, shower installation, flooring and vents. To see the look on the owners' faces was one of the best feelings that a person could ask for. Not only do I have a great experience to write about for my senior project, but I had my sister and many other new friends to share a lifetime of unforgettable memories with. I would like to thank all the church members who made this trip possible it was one of the best experiences of my life!"

-Maggie T.

"I worked with a family who went through so much and they taught me one of the most important things is your family. Many believe that money , cars, houses bring happiness, and not family and love….This week was full of fun and laughter, but nothing compares to the fact that God is the ROCK on which our foundation is built…the theme of our week. We did so many things: tarring the roof, cleaning the gutters, repainting the tin roof, digging a 120 ft. drainage ditch…

"In the ditch, we dug up so many rocks, it gave 'Building on the Rock" a new meaning! Then the look on the family's face when we were done gave us joy….I also learned that no matter how big or small you are …male or female, God will be with you always…"

-Brian W.

Roofing at Appalachia Service Project is tough on pants...but we're "behind" you all the way!!!

"This was my first year on ASP. I went with my Mom, Dad and sister. My Dad and I were in the same work crew along with some old friends and new ones…The trip accomplished many things…Aside from the construction in the bathroom, friendships were created, family ties became stronger and most importantly, a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment overcame each and everyone of us. That accomplishment for me personally, came from the mother of our house's family…When she saw what we'd done, a smile of complete gratitude fell on her face. That for me, made the entire trip worthwhile…Overall, this was an "amazing" experience and I thank everyone who helped support it.

"I also encourage EVERYONE to take part in it next year!!!"

-Steve T.

Click here to visit the Official ASP Web Site