Another day has come and gone, and we are doing fine. Work continues on the log cabin library: we're trying to get the whole thing stained before any rain comes. Here's a couple before/after shots:
Terry continues to do great work at the Wade Center. She came back with heartbreaking stories of these kids lives. Stories of parents in jail, addicted, abandoning them to grandparents. They are wonderful children, some full of promise and potential, if they can only get a chance to make it in this world. Here are a few photos that Terry took of the Wade Center:
The scripture passage we were focusing on today was the story of the good Samaritan. It's a story that brings up lots of questions and comments on a mission trip. I am continually impressed by how deep this group goes, asking all the right questions, struggling with the important issues. We have been happy to serve the Folklife Center, but we are now yearning to encounter the people in this area. The story of the good Samaritan, among other things, is a story of the importance of opening yourself to the wounds of the world, to be vulnerable enough to be involved with other people's pain, particularly the struggles of people you do not even know, people totally different from yourself. Terry has definitely done this, as she works with the kids at the Wade Center. Since we will be joining her on Thursday and cooking dinner for them, we will be able to share in that experience.
Laura, the center director, has promised to take us to the poorest parts of the county to encounter the people who are in the deepest need, and we are looking forward to doing this.
Of course, when you open yourself up to this experience, questions and thoughts swirl through your head. You wonder how to process it all, and how you will go about living your life with this kind of encounter. We are putting our trust in the Spirit to guide us through all of these struggles, and to trust that it will lead us to places and situations where we can respond with faith.
There are also many pleasures coming down here. A local music professor, who specializes in Appalachian music came with a friend and explained the history of this music: how African music mixed with English, Scottish, French and Spanish music and went in so many directions. He did this by explaining the evolution of the banjo, from an African instrument, to one played in the parlors of the wealthy and minstrel shows, going back to England and Scotland, and changing every time it went along. He brought about 8 different banjos and played each one, and showed how the instrument itself evolved. Here's a video of one of his songs.
We also had a trip to an absolutely gorgeous waterfall, not too far from here. Yet another reminder of how stunningly beautiful this state is.
Now, after a delicious dinner cooked by Terry, with her sous chef Allyson and some deep and wonderful evening devotions, it is now time for sleep, so we are ready for the next day.
You all have been in our prayers from the start. Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this amazing experience.
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