Is there a better way to spend St. Patricks Day than in the green rolling West Virginia mountains? We had blue skies and a nice breeze all day, perfect weather for working outside. The ramp project that we started on Monday was completed this afternoon. It turned out beautifully, ending in a freshly pour cement landing. Everyone worked together wonderfully all week to make it all happen. Perhaps the best display of teamwork and community was the cement landing. Needed to mix 13 bags of cement and decided to apply a technique we learned this past summer from a volunteer. Mixing each bag in a tarp with someone holding each corner and in a well choreographed manner mixing the cement together. (Thanks Fred for the inspiration!) The finished is product is something that everyone involved should be proud of and we are sure the home owners will love it and it will make their life easier.

Today was also the final day of Head Start for this spring break. From all reports the students and the children had a great week together in the classroom and on the bus rides home. We look forward to continue this collaboration in the years to come.

The final group went back to the St. Vincent DePaul warehouse and office. They helped with some much need cleaning and even stained the entryway. After two days of TLC from the NIU students the place looks great.

Tomorrow is the last work day for this year’s trip. The whole group will be working at the Itmann Food Bank for distribution day. We look forward to another great day.

The Completed Ramp!