Green Is The New Black

Despite returning from Easter vacation just one week ago, the girls and I already needed another break. If that doesn't explain the way my job situation is going right now, I'm not sure what will. I wrote before about the VIPP program that we're doing and last weekend we managed to get to six state parks and state forests. We left just after volunteers did on Sunday morning and arrived in Holly River State Park just in time for lunch. We found a waterfall and shared sandwiches at its base. We continued on through Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, which reminded me a lot of Mackinac Island with its restored old buildings and general old-timey feel. The weather was still great, warm but partly cloudy, when we arrived in Seneca State Forest. Here we had reserved a "pioneer-style" cabin on the lake, complete with outhouse, wood cook stove and gas-powered lights. It was so relaxing to read by the lake, grill up burgers and just BE together, without talking about ASP. We did a quick 4 mile hike along a creek and up and down a few mountains just before it got dark. I made a successful and delightful fire in the cabin and we continued reading, writing and playing music. We were truly technology free and it was amazing--I don't know that I've ever felt more rested. It rained most of the night, a beautiful sound that definitely made for a peaceful night's sleep. In the morning it was still raining, but we packed everything up and made our way to Watoga State Park, stopping briefly at Droop Mountain Battefield. On our way back we decided to go off-route quickly and stop at Greenbrier State Forest. We found a little local place called "The Mason Jar" which was delicious despite their lack of fried green tomatoes available. All in all it was an incredible weekend. I feel blessed to live and work with these ladies, no matter how stressful things might get.

I've started to learn that there is strength in positivity so I'm looking for ways to make the rest of my time here better. After returning from our camping trip to an almost immediately stressful work environment, we met two new groups of volunteers who are mostly fantastic. I'm almost positive that they're all going to blow our budget into a thousand pieces because they're working so fast, but they're fun, knowledgeable and seem to have a good understanding of the real point of mission work. They're really all we can ever ask for in volunteers. Also, every day there is more and more green showing up on the mountains!!! And in even MORE great news my appeal for Cup of Cold Water funds has been approved and next week we break ground on a well for one of our families. Today I spoke with her and she was almost in tears just talking about the new door that we put in, so I can't wait to see her reaction to water in her sink. And it's moments like that that can bring me back to our purpose. Too great.