What to say? So much space, so much time. First of all I would be remiss not to thank all that have helped this trip: Dan, David, Anne, Tony, Angie for the fabulous company and leadership, Dad for the scrumptious meals, Toni for lending a helping hand, Brian Propst for the donated shirts, and Thadine for the moral support!
But I think this entry should primarily reflect my hope for the boys. You all were a truly wonderful group to work with. I did not have to ask anyone to do anything twice, and most times you anticipated other people’s needs. I am not sure I have ever traveled with such a thoughtful group.
Most of all, I hope you reflect on our devotions and the charisms your senior leaders discussed. From your teamwork in Dan’s trust web, to the openness in sharing your stories of compassion with Ryan, to the humility you showed in washing each other’s feet, and the zeal of cheering your teammates in Luke’s “tourney.”
Perhaps most of all I send a wish for simplicity. You lived a SIMPLER life. And you had fun. And sometimes we have to pause to remember that we don’t need computers and phones and facebook. I truly enjoyed watching you form relationships and friendships—and I hope you carry these memories with you as you undoubtedly face an increasingly complicated world.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
-Ms. Slingluff
PS If you’re missing a black sleeping bag and blue pillow, come see me
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
All the Pictures!
Enjoy the slideshow! There are over 400 pictures, so please take your time enjoying them all. :) If you click on the slideshow, you should be able to view larger versions in Picasa. Please let me know if this doesn't work!
David
David
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Final Thoughts from Mrs. Resseguie
“West Virginia, mountain momma, take me home”
Hello all! Now that I have had a few days to rest up and process the events of the past week I cannot help but beam with pride over our success. You young men have once again shown me how determined, fun loving, humble, and capable you are. Over the past week I observed how you overcame individual uncertainties and fears in order to step out of your comfort zone and help those truly in need. This years’ trip took us to a new location where none of us knew what to expect. It's hard to imagine an area so impoverished that 40% of the population is without a job, when we live in relative luxury. Each of you showed great compassion as we began work on George and Angel's home, and GREAT determination as we stayed late on our last workday to finish what we started. This being my third mission trip with the Mount Saint Joseph men I am still blown away by the growth I see not only in the week I spend with the young men, but also in the growth I see from those returning for a second year. God willing I will be able to further my observations next year...
Now, for those of you young men who had the privilege of riding in the Armada, you will understand these quote’s… for the rest of you, your music education will continue next year. So I will say farewell and leave you with some words of wisdom from none other than Johnny Cash…
“I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me.”
Hello all! Now that I have had a few days to rest up and process the events of the past week I cannot help but beam with pride over our success. You young men have once again shown me how determined, fun loving, humble, and capable you are. Over the past week I observed how you overcame individual uncertainties and fears in order to step out of your comfort zone and help those truly in need. This years’ trip took us to a new location where none of us knew what to expect. It's hard to imagine an area so impoverished that 40% of the population is without a job, when we live in relative luxury. Each of you showed great compassion as we began work on George and Angel's home, and GREAT determination as we stayed late on our last workday to finish what we started. This being my third mission trip with the Mount Saint Joseph men I am still blown away by the growth I see not only in the week I spend with the young men, but also in the growth I see from those returning for a second year. God willing I will be able to further my observations next year...
Now, for those of you young men who had the privilege of riding in the Armada, you will understand these quote’s… for the rest of you, your music education will continue next year. So I will say farewell and leave you with some words of wisdom from none other than Johnny Cash…
“I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me.”
Final Thoughts from Mr. Peddicord
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
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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day Four by Tyler
This whole week was long and full hard work and it was all worth it during this week my team cleaned up what was left of the old roof on the side of the house we cleaned that up in half a day. After that I went to do demo with Josh and we formed Team Destruction and demolished the walls of the house. After that we split and I helped put up the roof for the new porch which left me with a lot of sunburn, despite that seeing the finished porch made the whole week worth it.
-Tyler Rutledge
Day Four by Nick
Today was very fun for me. The whole week was extremely fun because I got to help build a porch. The thing that was the most fun was doing demo to the old porch, which was there from the beginning. Today I helped build the porch, put rafters in place, and put a tin roof on top of the rafters. After we all finished the project we all said our goodbyes and we left.
-Nick Leuba
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