Just sitting here in the DBH living room wondering what to post and update to all of you tonight. We had a pretty productive day on the worksites and we had a very good dinner/happy hour as well! This is especially for Matt and TJ, Arnold Palmer has been made and it is great! Plus Patrick and myself discovered the art of making a "killer" AP just using one cup [which is honestly very convenient, especially when you are the last one to take the AP in the jug and have the obligation to fill it up]
I have decided that everyday, we will have 3 bloggers post updates for the worksites! B/c we are apart from each other and very busy, I wanted every group to have a say on the blog and to keep all of you posted with work being done. The representatives for the groups are as follows: Green (Brett), Blue (Lora) and Yellow (Nem) This will insure you get to hear all of the updates, latest information and "inside jokes"
Here is another cool interesting piece of information to share with anyone who is interested. Every year, Clintwood surprises me with some AMAZING people. They constantly want to sit down and talk with you. Not just say "hey, whats going on" and then head off to the next thing like we are apt to do here in Chicago. They really want to get to know YOU, what YOU care about, what drives YOU and why YOU enjoy Clintwood so much. That is part of the essence of this beautiful place; everyone takes the time to talk with you and enjoy learning. They have time and they really do make the small things in life seem important and matter! It is just simple and very relaxing. Anyway, while Nem, Joey and I were running on Sunday morning, we ran into a gentleman along the track just outside the Dorthy Baker House. His name is Larry and he came up and just started talking to us. After quite some time, he asked us if we like bluegrass music?? Well, naturally my response was yes! (Mission 08, "my grass is blue", "Maw's", the little kid trying to cheat Matt and I while playing slapjack" etc)
He said that Friday they were having a jam get together at the Jetti Baker Center, which is right off of Main Street in downtown Clintwood. I told him I would try to get us there and look forward to seeing him there (more info about this on Friday) Just another great person and story for all of us to remember him by
So after listening to our Clintwood de facto theme song for about 45 more times today (It was the Lazy Song by Bruno Mars) we finished up dinner and got ready for Mr. Kennedy to come over. After many more AP's, music breaks, and the most painstaking cleanup ever we were ready to hear a good ole coal mining story.
For those of you who don't know, Mr. Kennedy has been a resident of Clintwood and Dickenson county for all of his life. He was a coal miner for around 24 years and got out of the industry back in 1995. Since then, he has gone back and gotten his degree and now is a social worker for the county ( and he loves it!) The coal mining industry has been around for a LONG LONG TIME. Larry said that the Appalachia region and the mountain range is the oldest mountain range on the earth! The reason there are so many rolling hills and not sharp valleys and peaks is due to the erosion over centuries and centuries. Probably millenium. Either way, he informed us about the 3 types of coal (the main type that is mined in Virginia/West Virginia/Kentucky is Bituminous coal. More than 1/3 of our countries coal production comes from the Appalachian region. The coal mined in this region is mostly used for steam generation for electricity and metal production. Larry also talked about the dangers associated with mining (we have all heard of the scary mining collapses and tragic deaths). He also mentioned that since he left the industry back in 1995, security protocol and measures have been taken. It is a WHOLE lot more strict and regulated than it used to be. He also got to show us all of his tools and helmets and even some COAL!!
Anyway it was great to visit with him, he is such a great person and very knowledgeable about the history of Clintwood and Southwest Virginia! So glad he could stop on by and that I could share this information with all of you. Anyway gotta hit the hay, need some zzzz's for the worksites tomorrow. We will update y'all tomorrow from the sites. Just remember, Suns Out/Guns Out!
Peace and Love,
Chief
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 1, Updates from the sites
Whew,
I'll be honest, what a hot day it has been to start off this great week! Currently team green (Bob, Brett, K Fultz, Libby) are sweating it out downstairs in our clients going to be new apartment. Due to privacy rights and other things, I will be keeping the names of our clients anonomous. Just a word of note to everyone. So our clients live out in McClure, VA and they run a similar housing project to Sister Jean here in Clintwood. They are both very good friends with her and have been running the housing/service project for 26 years!!! Such sweet people and we were very excited to get to help them
Our task was to help mud and drywall their new living accomdations below the community center. They were the unfortunate victims of a fire that burned down their house back about 11 months ago. A terrible lightning strike hit their power lines and then ended up catching the house on fire. Due to the fact that they live in the mountains (like most EVERYONE else) the rescue squads/fire trucks weren't able to make it their in time. Both ways were blocked by coal trains and a truck that turned over and blocked the road. Talk about bad luck :(
The Green Team was progressing nicely! A tough day because of learning a new task such as mudding for me made it frustrating but we all got through it! I was doing all of the corners and seams in all the rooms over the week so I had to make sure I was PATIENT and PERSISTENT.
Okay well we will update later tonight on the OTHER GROUPS!! Jean was heading out to pick up the remaining members of our team Carly and Kathleen Fultz from the Bristol Airport! I gotta go help clean up and get ready for dinner! Debbie is calling for clean up and we have to get ready to listen to Mr. Kennedy talk to us about the coal mining days :)
Catch ya later
-The King [Arnold Palmer ;) ]
I'll be honest, what a hot day it has been to start off this great week! Currently team green (Bob, Brett, K Fultz, Libby) are sweating it out downstairs in our clients going to be new apartment. Due to privacy rights and other things, I will be keeping the names of our clients anonomous. Just a word of note to everyone. So our clients live out in McClure, VA and they run a similar housing project to Sister Jean here in Clintwood. They are both very good friends with her and have been running the housing/service project for 26 years!!! Such sweet people and we were very excited to get to help them
Our task was to help mud and drywall their new living accomdations below the community center. They were the unfortunate victims of a fire that burned down their house back about 11 months ago. A terrible lightning strike hit their power lines and then ended up catching the house on fire. Due to the fact that they live in the mountains (like most EVERYONE else) the rescue squads/fire trucks weren't able to make it their in time. Both ways were blocked by coal trains and a truck that turned over and blocked the road. Talk about bad luck :(
The Green Team was progressing nicely! A tough day because of learning a new task such as mudding for me made it frustrating but we all got through it! I was doing all of the corners and seams in all the rooms over the week so I had to make sure I was PATIENT and PERSISTENT.
Okay well we will update later tonight on the OTHER GROUPS!! Jean was heading out to pick up the remaining members of our team Carly and Kathleen Fultz from the Bristol Airport! I gotta go help clean up and get ready for dinner! Debbie is calling for clean up and we have to get ready to listen to Mr. Kennedy talk to us about the coal mining days :)
Catch ya later
-The King [Arnold Palmer ;) ]
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Getting Prepped for first worksite day
Hello everyone,
Due to some unforseen technological issues, I will be updating the blog today/tomorrow on all of our days and great experiences so everyone can grasp what we did over our amazing week that is Mission 2011! We weren't able to connect to the internet because the network was down at the place we were staying :( One could say that it was a total bummer. So instead of having to tell everyone that I will see in the upcoming days, you can read it here and get a taste of what went on ALL WEEK LONG!
Okay so on Sunday night when we got back from our awesome adventure at the Gorge, we settled down and got ready to start the work week. Honestly, we all were so anxious and excited to get started, the anticipation was killing us all! We had 3 worksites that were split up. The first worksite was manned by Bob and myself! We were heading out to McClure, VA just about 13 miles away from Clintwood. The second worksite group was headed by Kevin Patrick McConkey Jr and Sir Nemethy! And finally the last worksite group was lead by Lora and Mr. Steve (Steve Griffin if y'all don't know that by now!)
Looking forward to a great week and some extremely HOT weather, we all decided to relax and either hit up the great porch (for all of you who have seen the porch at the Dorthy Baker House you understand) and play quite a bit of mafia!
Finally a little shout out to one of our favorites Allie! Allie couldnt make the trip this year but in her stead, her dad was there and made sure to give us a little friendly reminder that Allie would be there in spirit! On the drive down, I was in the car with Steve and he told me that Allie had written a little note to be posted in the kitchen at the DBH. Sure enough, when we arrived we posted it up and it! It had gentle little reminders of everything we needed to do that week and it was a great way to start off the week! (We made reference to the note all the time :) )
The work week was just about to begin and we were TOTALLY EXCITED!
Suns out, Guns out
-Mission 2011
Due to some unforseen technological issues, I will be updating the blog today/tomorrow on all of our days and great experiences so everyone can grasp what we did over our amazing week that is Mission 2011! We weren't able to connect to the internet because the network was down at the place we were staying :( One could say that it was a total bummer. So instead of having to tell everyone that I will see in the upcoming days, you can read it here and get a taste of what went on ALL WEEK LONG!
Okay so on Sunday night when we got back from our awesome adventure at the Gorge, we settled down and got ready to start the work week. Honestly, we all were so anxious and excited to get started, the anticipation was killing us all! We had 3 worksites that were split up. The first worksite was manned by Bob and myself! We were heading out to McClure, VA just about 13 miles away from Clintwood. The second worksite group was headed by Kevin Patrick McConkey Jr and Sir Nemethy! And finally the last worksite group was lead by Lora and Mr. Steve (Steve Griffin if y'all don't know that by now!)
Looking forward to a great week and some extremely HOT weather, we all decided to relax and either hit up the great porch (for all of you who have seen the porch at the Dorthy Baker House you understand) and play quite a bit of mafia!
Finally a little shout out to one of our favorites Allie! Allie couldnt make the trip this year but in her stead, her dad was there and made sure to give us a little friendly reminder that Allie would be there in spirit! On the drive down, I was in the car with Steve and he told me that Allie had written a little note to be posted in the kitchen at the DBH. Sure enough, when we arrived we posted it up and it! It had gentle little reminders of everything we needed to do that week and it was a great way to start off the week! (We made reference to the note all the time :) )
The work week was just about to begin and we were TOTALLY EXCITED!
Suns out, Guns out
-Mission 2011
Enjoying the wilderness?? Id say yes Chief!
So hey y'all! Hello from out in the wilderness in Coeburn VA. We are currently out in the middle of running water and rocks! Yes I think Matt Kerr was involved in all of this. Our two vans this year we have defacto named the black beauty and the white knight. You these two vehicles have a lot of life paralells like good v evil, winning v losing and even bob v mr steve!
During this great expidition today, Jarivs "waterfall master" Flint was our fearless leader and guide. He led us out to the waterfalls, which was exceptional! I even cut my ankle and needed emergency er ;) but I was taken care of by our wonderful Casey "im going to be a nurse but not registered" Kinney. After having a small group fallout that ended with Jarvis taking out Pat we decided to press forward
After calling for a helicopter, we landed out on an unbelievable cliff called bluff rock. For any of you who have gone to birch knob, it will give you the same feel. Dude to the fact we had no service or anything, we decided to jump...JUST KIDDING! It was such a,great,place. Check the picture
Ok now we are currently caught up to where I am sitting blogging to you right now. We are at a nature trail called the gorge. More info on it when we get back. Gotta go immerse myself in nature ;)
Catch y'all over yonder hill!
-The MVP
Big Boy? Yes, yes it is THEE Big Boy.
Dear Kerr Family,
After trekking through the flatlands of Illinois and bourbon enriched pastures of Kentucky, this motley crew of St. Margaret Mary parisheners decided to treat themselves to some of the lower 50's finest southern hospitality- Big Boy Dining Establishment.
Immediately following a quick meet and greet with Big Boy himself, we were seated and were informed by our waitress that the all you can eat breakfast was available until 9:00 a.m. Bob and Mr. Steve proceeded to take advantage of this deal despite it being 1:00 p.m. Meal time M.V.P. goes to one of the Mission's new members in the form of Libby "Mom, remember this is a good cause" Reuland for her health considerate lunch combo of medium vanilla milkshake and side of french fries. We were then quickly ushered out of Big Boys following our meal. Our waitress slyly informed us of the issue at hand. Local media was en route to question business officials over allegations that Big Boy had recently traded restaurant memorabilia in exchange for discounted tattoo's.
Avoiding the press, this holy caravan exited Big Boy's via a Wal-Mart. Thanks to the keen eye of Brett "I wear my sunglasses at night" Miko, we spotted a lawn gnome with fiery red hair that resembled Matt "I'm going to fight whoever posted this" Kerr, so we promprly picked it up and continued on our way.
As always we love and miss everyone who cant be here with us on the trip. You're all in our prayers.
Peace, love and suns out guns out...just kidding, guns out regardless of sun presence. :)
Ryan "always find room for love and, more importantly, forgiveness Matt Kerr" Nem
After trekking through the flatlands of Illinois and bourbon enriched pastures of Kentucky, this motley crew of St. Margaret Mary parisheners decided to treat themselves to some of the lower 50's finest southern hospitality- Big Boy Dining Establishment.
Immediately following a quick meet and greet with Big Boy himself, we were seated and were informed by our waitress that the all you can eat breakfast was available until 9:00 a.m. Bob and Mr. Steve proceeded to take advantage of this deal despite it being 1:00 p.m. Meal time M.V.P. goes to one of the Mission's new members in the form of Libby "Mom, remember this is a good cause" Reuland for her health considerate lunch combo of medium vanilla milkshake and side of french fries. We were then quickly ushered out of Big Boys following our meal. Our waitress slyly informed us of the issue at hand. Local media was en route to question business officials over allegations that Big Boy had recently traded restaurant memorabilia in exchange for discounted tattoo's.
Avoiding the press, this holy caravan exited Big Boy's via a Wal-Mart. Thanks to the keen eye of Brett "I wear my sunglasses at night" Miko, we spotted a lawn gnome with fiery red hair that resembled Matt "I'm going to fight whoever posted this" Kerr, so we promprly picked it up and continued on our way.
As always we love and miss everyone who cant be here with us on the trip. You're all in our prayers.
Peace, love and suns out guns out...just kidding, guns out regardless of sun presence. :)
Ryan "always find room for love and, more importantly, forgiveness Matt Kerr" Nem
Friday, June 3, 2011
Almost on the Road!
Wow, I can't believe we are about 12 hours away from leaving to head back to our second home! Ill be honest, between Pat and Myself, we have honestly a combined 15 trips to one of our favorite towns. (For all of you current peer ministers, this is NOT where you make any age reference jokes! Or Pat and I will have something in store when we get back)
Like I mentioned a couple of days ago, we have 12 people going this year. Anchoring the trip is Bob (it just never gets old haha!) Mr. Griffin (Don't worry Allie we will take good care of him) Pat, Lora and Brett! Then repping the college students we have Nemethy, K Fultz, and Casey. And then we have 4 newbies making the trek out to Clintwood in Christina Lind, Joey Gollinger, Carly Noel and Libby Reuland. A solid 12 people that are going to be doing a lot of work.
A little background info on our goals and tasks when we get to Clintwood for all of you that might not fully understand. Clintwood is a small coal mining town in the Northwest part of Virginia. Right smack dab in the middle of the Appalacchia Mountains. Every year, we work for Sister Jean Korkisch, who runs a housing program called St. Joseph's Housing Project. Sister has done an amazing job for a ton of years running the program and we are so blessed and lucky to call her our friend! Each year she gives us worksites with clients that we go for the entire week and work. Whether its building ramps, roofing, painting, caulking, more painting, etc we always get a ton of stuff done! We have 3 sites this year (even though we have 12 people!) and that means plenty of work for the whole crew.
There are always new adventures and great stories every year. Talking with Pat just earlier, we can't wait for the crazy stories and days work in the upcoming days. We miss everyone who couldn't make the trek this year but you are there in spirit and in our BLOG!!
Okay that is it for now. Gotta go pack the cars, get the car top carriers (Allie if the cartop falls off this year like it did last, we might just leave it on the side of the road haha) and get some Zzzzz's. 4 am is quite an early wake up call I'd say. We will blog from the road tomorrow
Until then, peace and love
-Clintwood Crew '11
Like I mentioned a couple of days ago, we have 12 people going this year. Anchoring the trip is Bob (it just never gets old haha!) Mr. Griffin (Don't worry Allie we will take good care of him) Pat, Lora and Brett! Then repping the college students we have Nemethy, K Fultz, and Casey. And then we have 4 newbies making the trek out to Clintwood in Christina Lind, Joey Gollinger, Carly Noel and Libby Reuland. A solid 12 people that are going to be doing a lot of work.
A little background info on our goals and tasks when we get to Clintwood for all of you that might not fully understand. Clintwood is a small coal mining town in the Northwest part of Virginia. Right smack dab in the middle of the Appalacchia Mountains. Every year, we work for Sister Jean Korkisch, who runs a housing program called St. Joseph's Housing Project. Sister has done an amazing job for a ton of years running the program and we are so blessed and lucky to call her our friend! Each year she gives us worksites with clients that we go for the entire week and work. Whether its building ramps, roofing, painting, caulking, more painting, etc we always get a ton of stuff done! We have 3 sites this year (even though we have 12 people!) and that means plenty of work for the whole crew.
There are always new adventures and great stories every year. Talking with Pat just earlier, we can't wait for the crazy stories and days work in the upcoming days. We miss everyone who couldn't make the trek this year but you are there in spirit and in our BLOG!!
Okay that is it for now. Gotta go pack the cars, get the car top carriers (Allie if the cartop falls off this year like it did last, we might just leave it on the side of the road haha) and get some Zzzzz's. 4 am is quite an early wake up call I'd say. We will blog from the road tomorrow
Until then, peace and love
-Clintwood Crew '11
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Only a couple days out!!
Hello everyone!
Just wanted to welcome all of you to the official blog of Mission Trip 2011!! We have decided after much deliberation (if only that were really true) to make this year's edition of Mission Trip as interactive as possible! We know that many of our good friends and fellow Mission participants and leaders could not make it this year. So we decided to keep you all informed and up to date on everything Clintwood! Please share this with friends and family if you so choose!
The 2011 edition of Clintwood is going to be much smaller this year! I can't believe we only have a total of 12 going. Yikes. (For all of you 2008 participants, you will appreciate that size of a group. And btw a total shout out to all of those members! Candy, Bob, Pat, Lora, Kerr, Teej, John Kerr, Monica, Rice, Crotty, Manade and Me!)
But I digress, we are going to make sure we post as much about the worksites, video clips, before and after pictures, breaks and bbq pictures, and all the great stories and times that come from the amazing week that is Mission. Please feel free to add suggestions or keep us laughing with funny comments :) The week will commence Sat June 4th at about 4 am :/
I'll write back in a couple of days before we leave! Hope everyone enjoyed Memorial Day weekend
keep cool my babies,
Miko
Just wanted to welcome all of you to the official blog of Mission Trip 2011!! We have decided after much deliberation (if only that were really true) to make this year's edition of Mission Trip as interactive as possible! We know that many of our good friends and fellow Mission participants and leaders could not make it this year. So we decided to keep you all informed and up to date on everything Clintwood! Please share this with friends and family if you so choose!
The 2011 edition of Clintwood is going to be much smaller this year! I can't believe we only have a total of 12 going. Yikes. (For all of you 2008 participants, you will appreciate that size of a group. And btw a total shout out to all of those members! Candy, Bob, Pat, Lora, Kerr, Teej, John Kerr, Monica, Rice, Crotty, Manade and Me!)
But I digress, we are going to make sure we post as much about the worksites, video clips, before and after pictures, breaks and bbq pictures, and all the great stories and times that come from the amazing week that is Mission. Please feel free to add suggestions or keep us laughing with funny comments :) The week will commence Sat June 4th at about 4 am :/
I'll write back in a couple of days before we leave! Hope everyone enjoyed Memorial Day weekend
keep cool my babies,
Miko
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