Reflections on the A.S.P. Experience

A.S.P has an effect on everyone in as many different ways as there are people. This page will attempt to give you an idea of how a few of these people's lives have changed because of the experience of A.S.P.

Lane O'Daniel

Emily Parker

Lynn Thompson

Stephanie Hoffman

Carrie Allison

Kristina Collins

Rachel Thompson

Lane O'Daniel - 12 Years with A.S.P. - Youth Counselor & Handbell Director at Bartlett Methodist, - Associate Professor of Telecommunications Engineering, Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Ring out wild bells and lend a hand.
Send forth thy cry throughout the land
To fields and plains ring out your call
To valleys steep and mountains tall
Til all the world so big and free
Dost heed the call of A.S.P.

Ring out wild bells, tell one and all
Of hearts so warm and smiles so broad
Of love to give and lives to share
With all God's children everywhere
Tell all who hear that they can be
A volunteer for A.S.P.

Wild bells tell everyone who cares
Of floors and roofs in ill repair.
Through walls so thin the cold the wind blows cold
To chill the body, to chill the soul.
Tell all the world til they can see
That they're the hope of A.S.P.

Wild bells ring out and say a prayer
For all those loving children there
Whose dreams deserve the chance to live
As we who have so much to give.
God grant that they might grow to be
Warm, safe, and dry with A.S.P.
(Lane O'Daniel - 01-27-96)

When I sit back and reflect on A.S.P., I am always drawn back to the people. The heat and the sweat and hard work seem to vanish into a distant place. It is the people I remember... their warmth and friendship, their wide open acceptance of me and the work crews I lead, their faith that things will go on in spite of the circumstances they find themselves in.

I remember an old man, dying of Black Lung Disease, dragging an oxygen tube with him and trying to tile the floor of his bathroom. He never stopped smiling and never stopped being amazed that those were GIRLS out there "carpenterin"!

I still smile at Sebrina, an 8 year old girl that kept her arms wrapped around me or one of my crew for the entire week. Her mother sends me a picture every year so we can see how beautiful she is and how much she has grown! There was Squeaky and Travis, Melissa, Crystal, BooBoo and hundreds of friends and cousins and aunts and uncles who have stopped by to chat as we worked or just to say howdy and see if we really knew what we were doing. None of them had anything in the way of possessions like the friends I have at home but all were so willing to give their love and even their last scrap of food. That's what keeps me going back every year to the hills of Appalachia.

Emily Parker - 3 years with A.S.P. - Senior at Houston High School in Memphis

Up winding mountain roads, beneath broken grandfather bridges, and past dilapidated buildings our loaded van traveled. The six of us sat surrounded by ladders, felt roofing paper and buckets of roofing nails. Laughing, we counted the dogs that sat lazily along our curious route.

Through a service organization, we inexperienced six had been assigned to work together on the home of Ray and Frances in the economically depressed Appalachian mountains. That cold mountain morning in July, we proudly put on our oldest work clothes as visions of self-sacrificing service danced in our heads. Exploding with the limited amount of knowledge about roofing that I had just been taught, I helped load our van with peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches and the tools I was told we would need.

As we passed several crumbling homes and all-encompassing kudzu, I wondered blindly how anyone could live in any home so small and so shattered.

The van finally pulled into a veined driveway and stopped in front of one of these decadent homes. I could see nothing but the crooked porch and the sunken roof that we were to replace. Out of the cracked, peeling doorway came a crudely dressed woman whose warm smile I overlooked for the dirt that lined her plump cheeks and the sweat that curled her short hair.

As we timidly climbed from the van, she welcomed us and introduced herself as Tuti. She then turned to introduce us to her husband. As Ray tottered toward us, his short, disfigured legs that sadly supported his otherwise normal, masculine frame blinded me to the loving grin on his face. After these awkward introductions, we began to investigate the roof that we were to improve in the next five days. The previous group had covered the work in progress with tarps sealed by nails. As we peeled back the crumpled black plastic, I began to selfishly wonder how my inexperienced hands could possibly help to mend this aged mess.

That first day crawled by. I wasn't sure of what I was doing, and I did not yet feel that rush of servanthood for the fifteen feet between that roof and the ground. But gradually I became more comfortable with the job, despite the seemingly minimal improvement we were making. The days passed more quickly and I began to joke more with Ray and Tuti. The ants that covered our junk pile and the wasps that defended the old insulation were still easy to see, but the quiet kudzu from the surrounding mountains silenced me. Ray told us of the accident he had had as a child that disfigured his legs and kept him from working. Tuti delightedly told us of their children, all grown and gone.

On our last work day, this unpretentious couple invited us into their kitchen for a home cooked lunch. We gladly gave our peanut butter sandwiches to the dogs and joined them. Inside I gasped at the dirty sink, the old model black iron stove and the warped wooden walls. But though my eyes saw only the dirtiness, my nose took in the warmth of good food, and my heart swelled at the welcome in this unassuming abode. Tuti had prepared a fried meal fit for kings-- and sweaty roofers. From that small, crooked table, we gobbled fried green tomatoes, fried onions, warm cornbread, lima beans, and sausage. When we jokingly pointed out that this meal was much more delicious than any Jimmy Dean Sausage, Tuti laughed and said, "well, nawt a'less that pigs nahme wuz Jimmy Dean!" Tuti showed us the precious, love-worn pictures of their children and her painting of Jesus and his sheep.

As we sat in that miniature timeless kitchen, I immediately began to feel the modest happiness that Ray and Tuti found in what seemed a crude, unfit living space to unseeing me. I had read about the humble pleasure that a person should feel despite his worldly treasures. I had also read about the simple faith of the people of the Appalachia mountains. But despite the numerous essays, articles and short stories I had read, I did not hear or understand them until that moment. Though the smell of dirt and oil still itched my nose, I could suddenly see Ray and Tuti. Their warm smiles and laughter instantly became clearer than the holes in the walls and the gaps in the roof. I also began to realize that this "Appalachia Service Project" was a service to me-- Ray and Tuti had reached me. I had come to proudly serve them; I found that they humbly served me.

Until that beautiful ministry, I had been blinded by the importance of tangible treasures. I could not see the true pleasure or happiness for all of the fabricated beauties that I had been so freely given. I will never be unthankful for these gifts, but what a shame it was that they delayed me from finding this most precious God-given contentment that shown from Ray and Tuti's eyes.

At the end of this last day, just after all of our supplies had been packed and several huge wedges of home-grown watermelon had been eaten, we eight gathered in a circle for a closing prayer. Holding hands between that precious home and quiet kudzu mountain, our individual prayers sounded sweeter and more meaningful than any I'd ever heard. Tuti said her prayer last-- her beautiful, musical prayer. Over and over, her simple words "Thank you, Jesus" echoed form that wonderful home to the silent kudzu. I could now see clearly those tears of thankfulness, despite the dirt and filth-- or perhaps because of it. I wanted so badly to know the intense love that Tuti displayed.

As my hungry eyes memorized the veritable palace and calm kudzu from the back window of our van, I think tears filled my eyes. I can not be certain because at that moment I could see more clearly than I had in all my life.

Lynn Thompson -Youth Director at Bartlett United Methodist Church - 19 years with A.S.P.

Reflections of A.S.P. Given to the congregation of BUMC on July 28, 1996

Where do I begin- where do I even try to start,
for so many years the Appalachian Service Project has touched my heart.
It started back over some 15 years ago it seems,
and with the memories of even my first trip - my eyes begin to beam.
"You just have to go to really understand it!" -so many of us respond upon return,
but I want to take you to A.S.P. now through the insights I have been able to learn.
Because if you have ever poured your heart out with love for another at all,
then you have the idea of A.S.P. -it's when your heart stands tall.
Have you ever laughed so hard it hurts with the friends you hold so dear,
have you ever prayed for someone struggling-your own sweet silent cheer.
Have you ever sweated do much that YOU can hardly stand YOU,
have you ever listened to stories of hardship - stories that to you are new.
Have you ever believed in guardian angels watching over you never to grow weary,
have you ever felt their presence - I have -thank you Mr. Yawn, Mr. Shaw and Mr. Gary!

Have you ever been on a mission for others and find out it's YOU the mission is to seek,
have you ever put in plumbing and gone hog wild crazy that it did not leak.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child and seen hope in all the despair,
have you ever cried for that child when their arms won't let go - and let go, do you dare?
Have you ever learned really important life "stuff" -words of wisdom from a fellow worker or friend,
Like "Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty" - oh! the limitations of this will never end!
Have you ever named ducks, chickens, cats, dogs, and even a pig after friends you hold so dear,
have you ever had a watermelon fight and had watermelon from ear to (and into) ear.
Have you ever had every tool that you could possibly need,
and did NOT forget patience and love - tools of faith indeed!

Have you ever met someone new from a different culture or lifestyle that seems for you so far,
and did you accept them for who they were and just right where they are.
You see A.S.P. means all this to me , and the list could go on for years,
you see you have given to me something that is treasured and cherished - something very dear.

Do you realize that you, yes you, are a part of the best church in the world - I know!
because when it comes to love and giving - every heart becomes aglow.
Today this world becomes cynical with too much whining to do,
they tend to overlook the goodness and hope - the opportunity - but not you!
I will assure you that your have traveled with us into the mountainside,
and when anyone asks us - don't worry, we exclaim we're Bartlett UMC with pride!

I guess that's the heart of it - we love being the feet and hands.
of a carpenter born long ago in a different land.
He taught us to love one another - we all have our Father's eyes,
and it is in the Appalachian mountains that I come out all the more wise
. Because it is there I learn about life and - love and faith are shared,
and I know that in the Master's eyes He has looked down with care,
And has seen the SWEAT and seen the faith that his children have taken time for,
and because of that we each have learned and our faith has opened a new door.
You see the A.S.P. experience is an experience that we all share from our day to day,
it simply is going into the mountains to meet in a different way.
It's about discovering outhouses- hearing of coal mines, black lung and strife,
or maybe working so hard for a family to have running water or electricity for
the very first time in their life.
It's a time where we see things maybe you have never seen before,
or heard incredible history and heartache and even some Appalachian folklore.
But the whole idea of A.S.P. can happen right now - right here,

It's when we learn to take time and struggle for what is so dear.
A.S.P. has taught and shown me what heaven must be like above,
when people act like children of a heavenly Father - treating people fairly with His love.
"I'm the helper - you're the helpless" - the tables could always turn,
A.S.P. has taught me that faith, hope and love - above all you must learn
. I may not have what you have and I may not be rich or poor,
But someday I may just need a leap of faith, someone to care or replace my door.
So now I just want to thank you for having given to me a much treasured part of
my life - the gift of A.S.P.,
it is a gift of value and understanding and I cherish it- has been so awesome to me.
I know this mission will never ever leave me - this to you I will confide,
because I will cherish the gifts of the Father - given to me from these pews and the beautiful mountainside.

Stephanie Hoffman - 4 years with A.S.P. - Senior at Bartlett High School in Bartlett, TN

Reflections of A.S.P. Given to the congregation of BUMC on July 26, 1998

Good Morning! I am here today to share with you about ASP, Appalachia Service Project. First of all the seventy-three of us who returned from this mission trip last Sunday would like to thank you the congregation for your contributions, love, support, and most of all your prayers that make this trip not only possible but a success.

For the last twenty years our church has sent people to the mountains to repair houses. I have gone for the last four years. This trip is about so much more than just helping out the less fortunate. Every time I have gone I think I leave the mountains with more than I give. Not only do we get to meet extraordinary families, we get to meet people from other churches as well as make new friends within our own church. I know I have met some of my closest friends on this trip just because some you are forced to work together with some all week and others you just start talking to when you get lonely. Our church has something that I realized this year a lot of other churches do not have. We have adults who can have fun and hang out with the youth and still be adult like when necessary.

Each time I leave for this trip it is like I am going for the first time because each and every year is a completely different experience. I never know what to expect when I load that bus on Saturday , but when Monday morning rolls around and we meet the family whose house we are going to be working on, I am reminded why we are here and that is to be the hands and feet of Christ for those people to show them God's love and compassion for one week while we work. This year I had the privilege of working for an elderly woman whose roof had collapsed and detached from all the main walls. She was not even able to stay in her house, but there were so many memories there. She had brought up nine children in that very house; therefore, she just wanted it to be patched up so she could live out the remainder of her life there.

Two of her sons with able hands and bodies were there before we got there each morning and were still there when we left. These two men probably worked as hard as the rest of our crew for the whole week. You see it is about love ...and needing a helping hand. Because we were there to lend our helping hands we learned about the coal mines, the mountains, how chewing birch tree bark not only tasted minty but wouldn't kill you, and most of all about the lives of an awesome family in West Virginia that believed in the same great God and were amazed that we came to help their family out of a simple desire in our hearts.

Besides just the family being amazed about us coming, other people right here in Bartlett cannot understand why I would consider going to work in the hot sun for people I have never met before a vacation. That is exactly what it is for me-a vacation from daily stress, worries, and problems. A time to search within myself to figure out questions and doubts that have been haunting me. To just be away from everything and get my priorities straight.

The members of the congregation who attended the commissioning service were given the opportunity to write us little agape notes that we received mid week. The one I received made a big impact on me and brightened my week more than that person will ever know or understand. Every single person who wrote a note touched not only someone from our church but the people from the other churches that we shared the notes with. Lynn (our Youth Director) this year told us at the beginning of the week that sometime during the day we needed to Shut up and listen to God! some may think this a harsh phrase but I did and I know it changed my life significantly. Just to be in the mountains and take a few minutes away from everyone and everything to go one on one with the big guy. It is such an incredible feeling. I know some of you still may not fully understand the impact this trip has had on so many of those people who left from here and those who we reached in the mountains. I know any of the seventy-three of us that took that mountaintop vacation would be happy to share the stories and memories fromthe weeks of ASP that we will all treasure forever. Thank-you again for all of your support.

Carrie Allison, Sophomore at Lausanne Collegiate School - 1 year with A.S.P.

 Humbly Accepting

When most people are asked who they would like to trade places with, some common answers would be Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Briteny Spears, Dave Matthews, or even President Bush, Picasso, Shakespeare or a number of other famous people. Many people would like to be anyone that has made an impact on society, and would be forever remembered.  Unlike most people, I would like to be in Virginia, most people know her as Granny.  She lives in the Appalachia Mountains in Breathitt County, Kentucky.

If people were to hear that I would like to trade places with a poor, older woman, who lives in a trailer with her husband, her daughter' family, and their boy Cody; people think I am out of my mind.  Well, in a way, I am; by trading places with Granny, I would be giving up my education, friends, family, diverse knowledge of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds, money, all entertainment and technology.  She lives in a holler (a valley in the mountains); the closest store is fifteen minutes away, and the nearest town is an hour away.  Cody, her grandson, can never go to school because they do not have a way to get him there. 

So people might ask, "Why in the world would you like to go live there?"  When I went to the Appalachia Mountains this summer to work on people's houses, I realized how wonderful these mountains were to live. They have so little in material possessions, yet they have so much that a person living in a city could never dream of.   They have the knowledge that everyone around them, no matter how little they have, would do anything for them no questions asked. They can go to sleep at night not having to lock their doors; Cody can play in the yard without having someone watching over his every move. They realize that they have a great gift just being able to wake up in the morning and spend each day with their family.    

Along with all of this knowledge of life, there are many negative aspects that come along with living there.  They cannot spend $5 on Herbal Essences, or buy Gap clothes; instead they spend 69¢ on shampoo and get clothes from the church.  They also think it is a great thing when they can brush their teeth, or take a shower with a little water pressure because usually they shower in a creek or under a bucket.  One very serious problem that occurred with Granny and many others that live in the Appalachians, they have not seen any other kind of person but a white person.  When we went to work on her house, we had a mentally challenged person, an African American, and an Indian with us.  To most people, it would not seem like a big deal; however Granny and her family were afraid that they might hurt or rob them.  After a few days they realized that we were all the same people.  Granny stated "Ya'll are alright.  Ya'll just are alright."    

When I trade places with Granny, the only thing that I would like to take with me would be the knowledge of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds. From this small piece of knowledge I can help others in the small part of Appalachia to better their lives. For me to harbor the thought of trading places with Granny and changing the whole county, I would be foolish.  Many people would like to leave the area and live in a city, but they have history there and their family has probably lived in the same holler for generations.  Others choose to live there because of the spectacular view and humbleness, which I would like to have.     Once living there for a short time, I would realize how lucky we are to be able to go to school and learn and interact with other people. Also to have access to all of the technology, get the medical help when needed, and not have to worry if I will be able to eat tomorrow.  I would be able to become humble and appreciate life for all its worth.

Kristina Collins, Sophomore at White Station High School - 2 years with A.S.P. written 07/25/03

We saw the house
As it fell apart
We walked around
Not knowing where to start

                                        Our group of twenty one
                                        Worked long and hard
                                        Hitting many nails
                                        And leaving some people scarred

We met our sweet family
As we worked around their house
We arrived every morning
Trying to be quiet as a mouse

                            We all worked real hard
                            As hard as we could
                            At the end of the week
                            We had finished what we should

                                                                Along came Friday
                                                                The dreaded day
                                                                Goodbye to our dear family
                                                                We all had to say