From Mr. PeddicordDan Peddicord
MSJ Director of Facilities
To: Sarah, Anne, David, Angie, Tony, Dev, Tim, and Students……….
What a wonderful trip we had! I am so glad I was able to attend this mission trip. I am extremely proud of the students that took part in this adventure. Once again MSJ Students showed what they are made of. I think we were all overwhelmed and a little apprehensive when we arrived on the project site. On the first work day we were all concerned and worried about being capable of meeting our goals. But once we settled in and started working there was no time for worrying.
I drove separately from the group with a truck load of tools. I arrived at the Mission Church early on Sunday and met Tim Stewart, our Mission General Contractor. Tim was planning to show me the project site before everyone arrived. I followed Tim to the project house just 15 minutes from the church. While the house in need of repair was on the small side, it needed so much work all 15 students and 6 adults were needed on this one site. In past missions we separated into smaller groups and completed two or three projects. Tim pointed out all the different things this house needed: Walls knocked down before they fell, floors removed because they were caving in, windows replaced that were allowing the the elements to come in and installing a new ceiling in the small family room. While the first impression is overwhelming, I knew we all would make some improvements to the home.
In four days the students and adults completed more than we thought possible. On day four, our last day on the project, the students informed me they did not want to leave until they installed a new railing on the outside porch. So as the saying goes I said “get-er done”. And they worked a little late and completed the job. It’s amazing what was accomplished by this hard working group.
As someone who has worked in facilities and construction related projects for over 25 years, I was very impressed with how quickly the students learned to use the work tools on this Mission trip. I watched the students go from their first day asking questions about the proper way to use work tools, to confident hard working individuals by the end of the week. It was clear by signing up for this trip each of these young men took a chance in placing themselves in a different environment that called on them to remain flexible and supportive to the entire group. Each and every one of them showed an inner strength needed on a daily basis to deal with the daily challenges before them. Challenges such as working as a team player with others they may not have known that well, yet finding a way to work together quickly and efficiently to achieve their goal. They also taught me a few things and that we are never too old to learn.
Sarah, Anne, David, Angie, Tony– what a great week we had. So much was accomplished. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the team! Sarah, you are so organized ! You were wonderful at keeping us focused and on track. That’s how we accomplished so much good work. Wonderful devotions too. Anne, as always, you were such a great partner on our team’s goal. Thank you for taking the lead so often. David, you can now change your primary profession to Ceiling Installer. What a great job! Tony, thank you for taking on replacing the old windows. They scared me just looking at them, but you took them on. The new ones look great. Angie, thank you for covering any first-aid required. We were blessed with no major injuries on the job. You had that covered all week. And you never told us what an artist you are. WOW ! what a great drawing of the MSJ Tower you painted on the church club room wall next to all the other past mission group drawings. We will be remembered by all that see it.
Dev – what an amazing cook you are! Thank you for prepping, toting and cooking soooooo much food. Everyone’s meal was wonderful. I enjoyed our conversations too. I’ll think of you each time I look at the market. (Not just the food market.)
Tim – thank you for all you do. God blessed you with many talents. Especially patience with the hundreds of questions we asked about how to accomplish our goals. Thank you for your spiritual leadership and asking the students if they saw God on the project. You and Joan have a wonderful Mission program. You are now in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the wonderful work.
And the Guys, what can I say? You listened and followed every safety direction I could give you. You worked harder than some grown men I have managed over the years. I am so proud of each and every one of you ! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a fun and successful mission. You guys truly have a great understanding of the Xaverian charisms, Trust, Zeal, Humility, Compassion and Simplicity. Thank you for the hard work and support you provided to this Mission.
To the parents, thank you for allowing your son to go on this trip. You can be very proud of their individual accomplishments. I actually watched them turn from “Boys to Men” (as the MSJ expression goes) before my very eyes.
Sincerely,
Mr. Dan Peddicord
MSJ Director of Facilities
MSJ Class of ‘72
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