After we arrived home safe from ‘Kentucky Bound 2009’ we reflected as a family on our experiences. It was an eight day adventure in non-stop, little sleep, hard work, community building service. It was great to go (& go & go & go) …to be together, to give in little, simple ways & to step out into strange and sometimes uncomfortable situations. We came home tired and appreciative of comfy beds, warm showers and personal space. Beyond that we’re aware in new ways of what privileged lives we live and how much we’ve been given; not on our own account, just by where we’ve been born, the families that raised us, and the opportunities we’ve been given. And while it’s true that we don’t have to travel far to find need, or to serve, trips like ours immerse us in a different culture and a different reality, helping us to see our own more clearly- that has been true of us. It also allowed us to focus our time and energy in one way, away from the demands, routines and responsibilities that fill our days at home. This was a gift.    

Just twenty years ago Neon, Kentucky was a thriving, little coal town. It is now ravaged by poverty, unemployment, drug use, domestic abuse, and poverty of opportunity. We stayed in Goose Creek Holler at an old coal mine site and worked with the organization of HOMES who help provide simple, affordable homes to folks in the area.  Each day we could choose a different job site (painting, demolition, framing, food bank..). As a family we painted apartments that house women and children who have come out of domestic violence. We were privileged to meet them and to do a simple act of kindness, to show them love and to pray for them as we worked. It was something to enter briefly into these women’s lives, and experience just a bit of their reality and their courage. I identified with them as women and mothers and my heart was touched by their pain. This identification has left me deeply grateful and longing to help. It is good to be faced with the knowledge that this could be me: we are women, mothers, and wives- each longing to find joy, fulfillment, and to see our children grow up in safety and with opportunity. I continue to pray that each of these women will be rescued in every sense of the word, that these days will provide time and space for new beginnings, for healing and for hope. Please join us as we pray for them.

Although this was my learning curve, each of us experienced different and valuable lessons. Stephanie (17): “my highlight was meeting new people, being able to serve so many hours in just one week, and seeing such immediate results. I learned that even though construction isn’t exactly my area of giftedness, God can still use me to help and to serve. Tessa (16): “I loved meeting the people of Kentucky, playing with the children at church, and just being a part of a whole group of people gathered only to serve. I learned in a new way just how important my own personal times with God are, how much He loves me and the people there.” Abbey (12): “I loved hanging out with friends in the bunks and on the bus. I loved the people’s accents. I saw dirty and very poor places, where kids just like me live everyday. It makes me want to help”. Emma (10): “I loved finding salamanders in the holler and being able to help other people.” John (40 something): “I loved being together and serving as a family. I learned that when you say yes to serve God you must be ready for anything. Hold on and enjoy the ride.”

It was a great opportunity and one we will long remember. May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen each of us to bring His great love to the many needy and hurting people in all our worlds.

Gail, John, Stephanie, Tessa, Abbey and Emma DeGiovanni