From all reports today was a good day in PV land. The crew split up into 2 groups, one going to each site. The group that yesterday spent most of their time scraping the porch, today built a beautiful gate for the fence. Tomorrow the group’s attention will go back to the porch, continue scraping, fixing the steps and maybe begin painting.

The other site continued to make progress in the bathroom. Most of what needed to be torn out has been and the rebuilding has begun. There was a slight change of where the plumbing needed to go, but plumbing is never predictable. The home owner had mentioned that her roof was leaking in a couple of places, and unfortunately we don’t have the time to replace the roof, but Ed jumped up on the roof and tarred a few places that looked liked they might be leaking. Even though she was hoping for a new roof, the home owner was thrilled.

Because I know you all want to know what the volunteers ate for dinner… tonight’s main course was chicken with Peggy’s homemade pesto sauce with basil from her garden that she brought with her.

Reflection’s focus’ was about self awareness. The volunteers were asked to reflect on a volunteer experience that helped them realize something about themselves. Nightly reflections are such an important part of the PV experience and helps build a close community.

As many of you know, the first day at any site is a lot of figuring out a game plan and getting everything you need. This week the volunteers are working at two different sites in Bud, not far from the home base in Mullens. One site is for a women who needed her porch steps repaired, the porch scraped and painted and the group will be making a gate so the yard can been fenced off to allow the dogs a safe place roam. Today they began scraping, which in not the most fun of tasks.

The other site, right up the road is for a young mother and her two children, one of whom is a special needs child. Both the child and the mom have upcoming surgeries and they need all the help they can get. Since we are only there for a week we had to choose a focus. In consultation with the home owner we decided to focus on the bathroom. The floor needs to be torn out and and new pretty much everything needs to be installed. Today the volunteers started to tear out the floor and make a game plan for everything else.

After a long day (and maybe a trip to DQ I heard) they went back to the church to share the evening activities. First, a scrumptious taco Monday dinner and then reflection. The sharing for the evening was to talk about a movie that reminds them of the experience in West Virginia. Sounds like there were a lot of good movies shared, and perhaps some new movies to watch in the future.

With all the set up happening at the sites, there weren’t a lot of pictures taken, so we will leave you with one taken today, that is very similar to many taken over the years…… PVs playing with cats/dogs at the sites. Anyone need a kitten? They are looking for homes : )

We are happy to report everyone arrived safely to the PVs home base in Mullens at the United Methodist Church. Special thank you to Tricia, Dan and Lucy for getting there a little early to help set up the sites and welcome everyone as they came. Once everyone arrived and got settled, the crew started their week by sharing a meal together. After the meal they gathered for the traditional PV Commissioning Service and to hear about the sites that they will be working on for the week. Stay tuned for more about their projects….

It has been a minute, but a group of PV volunteers are headed back down to Wyoming County, West Virginia next week to continue the tradition that began 50 years ago. For those of us that can’t join them, we will be able to follow along here on the site. So please start checking back in next week!

The volunteers wrapped up a successful week in West Virginia last Saturday. We highlighted a little bit of what they did at their home repair site already, but that is just one piece of their week. They also helped a local woman pack for a big move and they did numerous projects around the church, including replacing ceiling tiles and fixing sticky drawers and cabinets throughout.

The PV experience is not just service though, it is one of community and reflection. The group shared meals together each night and reflected on their days together. There was also fun and games, with card games and family feud, morning walks around Mullens and of course trips to Dairy Queen. On the final evening the volunteers hosted a community meal, inviting people from the church and from the local community.

We wanted to give a big thank you to Mullen United Methodist Church for hosting and Donna for being a wonderful presence with the volunteers. Also thank you to St. Vincent dePaul for their help and allowing us to use your van. And finally, a huge thank you to the volunteers who chose to take a chance and volunteer in this new version of the PVs. The week wouldn’t have happened if you all did not make that choice to “be a part of it.” And finally, a special thank you to Tricia for taking on the roll of point person and keeping everything rolling smoothly.

The PVs have always made it a point of emphasis in doing the smaller, but necessary jobs when it comes to home repair. This weeks volunteers are doing this to great effect, continue to do great things this week, in little ways. At the site they were able to patch two ceilings and two floors. Seemingly small jobs, but ones that will make a huge difference to the life of the home owner. She no longer has to avoid walking in certain areas of her house, or worry about parts of the ceiling coming down. The volunteers took it a step further though and added a coat of mildew blocking paint to the ceiling, which not only made it look fresh and clean, but will help keep her healthy. While working on the floor in the living room they noticed her front door didn’t open very well. She told them it hadn’t used in awhile because of it. Of course it took just a little finesse (and know how) and now it opens and closes smoothly, giving her not only the freedom to walk out her front door and use her front porch, but the safety of know she has two exits in case of an emergency. Small things that make a big difference…..

The volunteers have been hard at work the last couple days in Wyoming County. They have been working out on Welch Pineville road for a woman who has been dealing with a leaking roof for many years. She was able to get a new roof last week so the volunteers are working inside to repair ceilings and floors that were water damaged. Of course it hasn’t been all work. They have enjoyed their community at Mullens Methodist Church and even went to 2nd Street diner for dinner tonight.

It has been awhile since the PVs have been in action, but starting Sunday a group will be heading to Wyoming County, West Virginia. There have been a lot of changes over the last several months with the PVs, but the desire to reach out help is still holding strong!

Nine brave and “seasoned” PVs will be spending the week in Wyoming County in the first all volunteer led week. With the former staff helping to organize the week, and help from local people on the ground, they will continue in the PV tradition of service, community and reflection. They will be staying at Mullens United Methodist Church where the group stayed last year and be working in the county in collaboration with St. Vincent dePaul. We will be touching base each day and post about what they are up to. We hope you join along too!

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving full of peace, gratitude and love. –Jill and Jenny

A Thanksgiving Blessing
by Joyce Rupp

May an abundance of gratitude burst forth
as you reflect upon what you have received.

May thanksgiving overflow in your heart,
and often be proclaimed in your prayer.

May you gather around the table of your heart
the ardent faithfulness, kindness, and goodness
of each person who is true to you.

May the harvest of your good actions
bring forth plentiful fruit each day.

May you discover a cache of hidden wisdom
among the people and events
that have brought you distress and sorrow.

May your basket of blessings surprise you
with its rich diversity of gifts
and its opportunities for growth.

May all that nourishes and resources your life
bring you daily satisfaction and renewed hope.

May you slow your hurried pace of life
so you can be aware of, and enjoy,
what you too easily take for granted.

May you always be open, willing,
and ready to share your blessings with others.

May you never forget the Generous One
who loves you lavishly and unconditionally.

— from Out of the Ordinary