Mission 76 Day One

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, we received our assignments, and both were similar in scope. Back on Valentine's Day 2025, this region of Kentucky was hit with severe flooding after some torrential rains hit. Hundreds of homes suffered flood damage. CAP volunteers and paid staff responded and worked with over 150 homeowners in the area to help them clean up their homes. Many of the homes received severe damage and were in desperate need of repair. Such was the case for Martha Hamilton, an elderly widow, and Adrian Akers.

The Blue team was assigned to Martha's home, and the Yellow team was assigned to work in Adrian's home.

The Blue team spent the day working on a bathroom, including hanging and painting the trim. Ron C. spearheaded the bathroom project, and Allen headed the trim project. Everyone on the site reports that they made a lot of progress and that they had a great day.

Katie said: We all worked so well together, and the experience was different from what she expected.

Lily described that meeting the homeowner gave perspective and relevance to the work she did.

Amelia said she tried to limit her expectations going in so that she would be able to take in the experience. She had a great time working with Laci.

Laci, who is Amelia and Lily's mom and Ron's daughter, said she had a great day and that it was a wonderful experience to work with Amelia.

Isaac, a returning student volunteer, noted that his experience is different this year and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn new skills. He also reported that the neighborhood dog ate half his sandwich.

Allen, a multiple-time traveler, expressed his gratitude to be back on Mission. It is an experience he always looks forward to. He also complimented all those with whom he worked today.

Ron C., who transformed the homeowner's bathroom, chose to speak mostly about speaking with the homeowner and getting her backstory. This highlights the fact that while the work we do is an integral part of why we come, it is only a part. The people we serve and serve with are what genuinely make a mission trip memorable.

The Blue team was greeted by our host, who shared a big smile, a hearty handshake, and a humble word of thanks for being willing to share our time to work on his home.

Today, the group insulated, plumbed, sawed, leveled floors, repaired floor joists and wall studs, and painted. A lot of progress was made, and there is a lot of work yet to be finished.

KK, a returning student volunteer, shared that she enjoyed working with Ron and that she got to do some things she had never tried before, like floor repair.

Brenna said it felt good and satisfying and that she enjoyed trying new things that took her out of her comfort zone.

Ron N. was very impressed with the work ethic of the crew and how fast they all picked up on the necessary skills needed to work on today's projects. He was also impressed with the crew leader, Dwight.

Melissa also spoke about getting out of her comfort zone, trying new things, and developing new skills. She also enjoyed working with her daughter, Morgan.

Morgan was impressed with Ron's willingness to explain and teach, and then let her go to work on what she was asked to do. She was also thankful for the fun working environment.

Doug, who like Ron C. worked all day to transform a bathroom, chose to speak about the connection with those he goes on Mission with and about the deeper meaning and lasting effects of a Mission that goes far far beyond the work we do, and is more focused on the all it gives to each of us on Mission and how, if we allow this deeper meaning to transform us how all the blessings we can receive from being on mission.

(sorry no blue team photo's today, I forgot to get them before everyone went to bed)