At the SWAP house

Last night we arrived at SWAP, Elkhorn, WV, after a long, yet uneventful drive through spectacular landscape.  By 8 pm ET, we were greeted by a sheep named Flopsy, two pit bull puppies, a sweet, old golden called Buddy, our hosts Dove and Carl and their summer intern Lydia.   After an efficient group photo on the porch of the old mansion where we’re staying, we were quickly oriented and sent to bed to rest for our first big day.

Tuesday came early!  These folks run a remarkable ship and they had us packed up, fed a hearty, southern breakfast and on the road by 8 am.  Our groups dispersed into the heart of Southern Appalachia to work and sweat and learn and sweat and make friends and sweat (93º)… It was a great mission trip day!!

See the photos for the remarkable variety of service opportunities we've been given this week.

The evening was topped-off by a delicious, authentic Appalachian dinner and a visit from Alan “Cathead” Johnston.  He is a MacDowell County native, musician and storyteller and generously blessed us for solid two hours of his time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH2JY2XTWLc

Tonight our Community is grateful for the natural beauty and kindness that we’ve already encountered.

Carl the Rookie!

KP Sign-up

Mr. Crabbie Pants and the gals

Painters

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4; John the Super!

Welch, West Virginia