First Weekof Work is Done

Well, I have completed my first week of work here in the Appalachians. On Monday, Robyn came to pick me up here at the volunteer house and then I drove her truck the hour to my office in Clay County. I limb fell from a tree and bounced up in the road and smashed into the windshield. Nothing shattered and I think because I didn't scream and drive us off the road, I was approved as a valid driver. Go figure! Our first stop before we arrived at the office was the Mennonite bakery in Manchester. I am very happy to see that my supervisor has her priorities straight. All my housemates have made it very clear to me that I will pass that bakery twice each day and their expectations are high. I did bring home a pan of pecan sticky buns. I am now listed as the housemate of the week. :)

The first day was all forms and reading. I think I have a much better understanding of what I will be doing with my time. At least, I think I have a better understanding. On Tuesday I was fortunate to attend a meeting with some other non-profit organizations and we discussed forming a team to make sure people don't fall through the cracks when a disaster happens. If the disaster is wide spread and involves a large amount of homes, then you can expect FEMA or another organization to come in and help. But, when a disaster is small, there isn't anything that comes in to help restore what was lost. The team is designed to work together to make sure that there is a long term recovery plan in place so that there is a longer period of follow-up with families to ensure they truly do get back on their feet. It was great for me to meet other people in the area and learn more of what they offer in services.

My other days consisted of shadowing another family advocate in another county and seeing what her day looks like. Then at my office I did have the opportunity to spend time with a few participants and learn just how much paperwork is involved when assisting a family. I really think I am going to enjoy my job. Many times I will be delivering items to the home and also making follow up visits with the families. There will be variety to my day, which is way good.

Today is absolutely beautiful here. The sun has been shining all day and the sky is an amazing blue. Very warm and wonderful! I spent the day cleaning the livingroom and moving the furniture around. I was feeling a little hemmed in, so myself and two others just took hold and moved everything around. We like it alot, but will get the vote of the house when everyone returns from their day. I think it will be fine.

This week Camp AJ is hosting a group of builders from the Fox valley area in Wisconsin. Every night my house is invited to Camp AJ, where they are doing the work, to have dinner and fellowship with the group. I am really looking forward to that. My mom, sister Beth and brother Steve are coming next weekend. I am very excited about that. On Friday evening we will join the other Wisconsinites for dinner in a thank you gathering. I think that will be nice for my family to see how we all get together and what an awesome place Camp AJ is.

I am so blessed to be able to take this time and be here in the Appalachia area. Thank you to all who have been sending cards and notes. It is wonderful to get mail from back home.

May God Bless you all and keep you safe. Til we meet again.
Jane