For one week in July 2002, I volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP).  The ASP is one of those organizations that repair the homes of the less fortunate in the four state region known collectively as "Appalachia"...

The first week I spent as an ASP volunteer turned out to be a lesson in the meaning of the word "contradiction."

• I learned that poverty is alive and well in this great nation of ours. Poverty in the form of a 30 x 30 foot hovel that was just around the corner from an opulent home complete with in ground pool, four car garage and acres of land.
•  I learned that despite what I see on the evening news, stories about children killing their parents, gang violence, drugs and rising teen pregnancy rates, that there are still a lot of great kids out there. Kids willing to extend a helping hand to their fellow man.
  
• I learned that the most satisfying week I have ever spent was also the most anguished and depressing.
•  Lastly, and most importantly of all, I learned to be thankful for what I have.

Hard At Work

Visit the Appalachia Service Project website at: http://www.asphome.org and learn more about what they do. Perhaps you would find the expirience as moving as I do. Who knows, perhaps you will volunteer, too...