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Yesterday's blog headline was Mission accomplished. While that is true in one sense, the reality is that the true Mission of group 76 has just begun. As our executive director emeritus Sr. Debbie Blow always told us: "Your Mission truly begins when you get home." The true fruit of our Mission is only experienced when we share the joy and lessons we've experienced over the last week with our family, friends, and community, spreading the love and light of Christ to those we t

The last day of a Mission Trip is always bittersweet. Of course, we all look forward to getting back home with our families, but at the same time, it feels like we are just beginning to experience and appreciate what a Mission trip gives us. The last night of CAP is shared not only with our Mission Group, but with those we worked with and for all week. This gives us a couple of hours to visit with CAP personnel away from the work site and to get to know them on a more pers

Day Three was another productive day for both groups. The Blue team is working toward finishing their projects at Martha's house tomorrow. The Yellow team, while making great progress this week, will leave Adrian's house for another group to finish what they started. This is one of the lessons we have to embrace when we do short-term mission trips: we are building off the work entrusted to us by prior mission groups, and we, in turn, expect the other groups to follow in our

As I sit here in the Mission Auditorium, writing the summary of today's activities, I'm listening to about 9 mission participants, of all ages, talking about their day. I am overjoyed to hear the exchanges, laughter, and bond being formed among the members of Mission group 76. Today started again very early, with everyone making it down to make their lunches by 6:15. We got a great compliment from Kristi, our group coordinator, who said we are very organized and always ready

Day one started at 6:15 (for some, if not all of the Missioners, others slept in a little later) as they made their lunches to bring to work. We are all greeted by Linda, a CAP volunteer, who not only makes our breakfast but also starts our day with a huge smile and a hearty, heartfelt good morning that brings to life even the most early morning adverse among us. The day officially begins at 6:40 with our morning briefing, assignments, and a prayer to begin our day. Today, w

On-site at the CAP Foley Mission Center in Martin, Kentucky For the first time, all of Mission 76 was together tonight at the Foley Mission Center in Martin, Kentucky. We received our CAP site and safety briefing about 6:30, and then we held our first onsite group meeting, and now we are all anxiously anticipating heading to the job sites tomorrow. This year, the teams were assigned the color designations of Blue and Yellow. Blue Team members are: Ron C., Laci, Lily, Amelia

The last day of service, when on mission, is met by all the participants with very mixed emotions.  While everyone is happy to be heading home to loved ones, we also want to hold onto the fellowship and community that we have all been a part of over the past week.   When we met tonight, we were simply asked to answer one question: In a word, sentence, or longer, how would you describe your week on mission, or what did you take away from it? Mary:         "I loved getting to k

The morning began with a devotional and commentary from Linda, followed by a breakfast of Bacon and French toast casserole. It's a great start to a day when your spiritual and physical hunger are met. We had a quick meeting to decide where to eat tonight. We took Linda's recommendation and went to Billy Ray's in Prestonsburg. More on that later. We are now in our fourth evening together and have bonded as a group. Our conversation has become much easier and deeper. As a group

Mission 75 Day 3 news: We started day three with the sound of thunder and forecasted rain. While we did see some rain early, by the time the crews hit the road to the three sites, the rain had stopped, and the rest of the day was dry. This was extremely good news for the Blue crew, who had a day of outdoor projects awaiting them. Linda was our host/cook for the evening. She is a wonderful and upbeat woman. Her love of God and neighbor is evident in everything she does, from h

Mission 75 Orientation and Day 2 news: All 15 members of Mission Trip 75 arrived at the Christion Appalachian Project Foley Mission House parking lot and gathered for the first time around 4:45. After briefly introducing themselves and sharing travel stories, our host, Kelli, welcomed us into the building that will be our home for next five days. We then spent about half an hour unloading vehicles, preparing our rooms, and gathering for an orientation session. We were divided

75 is setting out on a journey to Kentucky to collaborate with the Christian Appalachian Project. Their goal is to make a positive impact on the people they will serve, as well as on each of the 16 missioners participating in the trip. Stay tuned for updates on the work they will be doing, their impressions, and their mission moments.

Mission 74 Day Five Continued Building an access ramp and deck for Agnes and Deck and railings for Dixie Home of Agnes Dunn and Dixie Wilson Tyner, KY Emergency Ramp for Medical reasons and porch railings and backdoor porch Supervisors– Clarence and John We got to meet Samantha (Sam) at breakfast this morning. She was our third and final house supervisor. Sam had volunteered at CAP for several years before she became an employee about six years ago. CAP seems to draw heavily

Mission 74 Day Four Continued Building an access ramp and deck  Home of Agnes Dunn Tyner, KY  Emergency Ramp for Medical reasons Supervisors– Clarence and John  The day began with a hot breakfast of French Toast casserole, eggs, fruit, and cottage cheese cooked by Carrie. We had a wonderful visit with Carrie, whose last day on site was Wednesday. We talked about life, faith, and family. One of the true blessings of this Mission trip has been the relationships with the CAP emp

Good morning everyone, Before I share James Carlin's summary of yesterday's mission service, I'd like to share a couple thoughts from Karen O'Brien, one of the missioners in Kentucky.  There is an attachment with a couple of photos as well. A.  Here's Karen "in her own words": "Lots of thoughts have been percolating from our first-day experience.  There was great spirit movement in the group, servant hearts pouring out hope and love.  For me, I was humbled to be there as I sa

Mudding Dry Wall and Soffit Installation  Home of Dixie Wilson Jackson County, KY Addition to Her Home Supervisor – Clarence and John   "The day began with a hot breakfast of Biscuits and Gravy, sausage, eggs, and poached pears cooked by Carrie. We started our day heading to build a porch and ramp. Clarence changed the plans because of persistent rain.   We ended up at the house of Dixie Wilson. The home Dixie lived in was a pieced-together home that was no longer safe or equ