Day 4 – Valley Hope

Today we traveled to Black Mountain, where the organization Valley Hope is located. Valley Hope is a nonprofit that started as a result of Hurricane Helene, and has continued to serve people who continue to be impacted by Helene and other disasters. Some of the ways they serve people are by providing a place to live on site for those who are still without a home after the hurricane flooding, by providing meals and supplies, including furniture, to families who are still recovering, by helping folks move out of their homes, and many more things.

Our group worked with Valley Hope in two ways today. A group of four remained at the Valley Hope home-base to sort and distribute food for 26,000 people. The group organized pallets of produce, water, and other important items and then helped as those items were distributed to various delivery people. Some of the food went to organizations or groups and were then distributed to the communities they serve, and some went directly to families.

The majority of our group helped move a couple out of their home that is in the process of being repaired. The homeowners shared with us the story of how they were woken up in the middle of the night to a tree that had fallen on their house during the worst of the flooding and mudslides. Since then, the couple has been in the process of repairing their home. Our team of 20 was able to get rid of damaged possessions, and move all of their furniture and cherished, sentimental possessions to a storage unit so that their home can begin the process of necessary repairs and renovations.

We didn’t take many photos today for the sake of protecting the dignity of those we were serving, but photos would’ve shown us dripping sweat, smiling and listening intently in conversation, and working hard together. However, it is our stories of today specifically that I’m excited for you to hear. I guarantee, the stories and memories we share about today will reflect that we were moved deeply by the work Valley Hope is doing in this community, we were graced with the stories of those who have been incredibly impacted by a disaster they would never have expected to face, we were inspired by the resilience of the people who have been serving non-stop since day one of the hurricane relief wok, and the number of people this organization feed every Tuesday is beyond what you can comprehend without touching pallet after pallet full of supplies. 

This evening we reflected on all of the experiences of today, and God’s grace shown through – the grace that we are able to extend as we serve our neighbors here in North Carolina, but also the graciousness of those who we are serving. It is humbling to be both welcomed into a person’s space to help them move, and to be the one asking for the help. As we reflected, our stories reminded Pastor Taran of the moment when Jesus is washing the disciples’ feet, and Peter tells Jesus “no, you shall never wash my feet” (John 13:8), but Jesus insists that Peter must receive this act of grace. It is in the humble receiving of grace – whether you are asking for help, or being welcomed into someone else’s space and seeing their need – that we find Jesus. He washes away our sin, and blesses us to go and be a blessing to others (John 13:17).

We ended our day with pizza and Cheerwine (soda that was described to us as “Dr. Pepper with cherry flavor”) and playing games outside, chatting into the evening. 

I’m so proud of these teens and chaperones. They are open minded, hardworking, respectful, kind, gracious, and really intentional and considerate as they serve – not only towards those we are serving, but towards one another. The leaders and I have received so many compliments on the way that they are communicating with one another, the way that they are helping wherever there is need, and people are just thoroughly impressed with the way they are engaging with those they are serving.

Thank you all for your support. These teens are a reflection of the community that has poured into them. Thank you for loving them so well, and sharing Christ with them through all that you do.  

We have one more work day ahead of us tomorrow, and then a day of fun before we travel home.

I asked a few of the youth if they wanted to say anything to the people back home, this is what they said:

“Love you. Miss you. Somersaulting up and down hills is really fun” – Adele, Daisy, & Kaitlin

“Hi” – Korbin & Jas

Blessings,

Jacque