Church of the Covenant - CRANK'S CREEK REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS

Crank’s Creek 2005

Driving into the mountains, we were immersed in a sea of wooden hills. Our van flew across the new highway, we arrived at the trailer. Very dirty and stuffy, and I was awake most of the night. We awoke, and were unsure of what we are to do as we met a large group. One look at the sulfur shower and I decided, I can do without a shower. I ate crisp fresh froot loops. We arrived at a dusty church that was literally falling apart. The wood was rotting and building a new porch out of fresh new wood was our task. For lunch we had PB & J with very little jelly in the back of the car. We cleaned the very musty church, and I used an electric saw! The Massure group joined us for Columbus, as we ate dinner. We came in and out the trailer, it was clean and feels like a place one could live. I delivered candy to my “Secret Angel”. Next, we came to a house that we were to paint. With the hot heat the first day, we were slowed. We arrived through the misty mountains to a deep, clean lake. We washed there and enjoyed it. We did “Reiki” and bible study at night, then went to bed. We slept until 8:30 am, as none used an alarm clock. We rushed off to another day, at night, in gravel wasteland; we created a fire and celebrated the summer solstice. The last night at Crank's Creek, we hear harrowing stories from Becky, director of the center. Across from our trailer, joyous celebration is given to the completion of the firehouse. - Justin

Noticing God’s creation is not only about materialism, but also everything is beautiful. Meeting Bobby, the sweetest man on earth, noticing a real sense of community and humbleness. Knowing that there was a hard day ahead of me, but not as bad as some people’s lives. Family “teamwork”, God dwells everywhere, my work is someone else's treasure. Wanting ham & cheese, Lucy and Ed sick of PBJ. Pure hell after receiving a mouthful of C.A.N.C.E.R. Being so tired of the sulfur water but realizing it was not bad, comforting knowing a sense of caring which livens your day. Getting a tan while making people smile helped me think and be cleansed. Helping others in your mind not for self. Tranquility, smelly feet but cleansing their pathway knowing we have done a piece of God’s work. – Grace

Seeing the mountains was intimidating at first because, I wasn’t sure what the lifestyle was we would have to adapt to. What kind of people we would meet? After the first two days I started from my life and the people in Kentucky. Having to use sulfur water and live in a trailer was hard. I had never done much carpentry before and I felt clueless. But with some guidance and help from others we completed the porch on a church that was very different from our beautiful stained glass Church of the Covenant. After the challenging workdays, it was a blessing to be able to travel to a gorgeous beach on the lake, surrounded by huge mountains. It was refreshing to swim in the water and we ended up washing our hair in it. Overall this mission trip was fun, challenging and a learning experience that I will remember. –Anne

When I finally saw the familiar sight of the mountains, I knew that I was some place special. I have been to Crank’s Creek before and I figured that it would be a similar experience. However, we lived in a trailer and we had to drive two miles to get to a bathroom with a shower. My experience was different because I was a youth advisor. I had more responsibility; I went to the church and helped to build a porch. I had had experience with saws and power tools. I loved having the hammering contest, the painting was fun and I was on the height ladder on the roof. Although, Ed was a slave driver, it was so hot painting the house; the lake was my daily salvation. Slipping into the cool water and washing the dirt, sweat and paint away. Having a bonfire was awesome, seeing the moon, stars and hearing the faint twangs of a single guitar. Crank’s Creek is always a magical place filled with kindness and joy. Bobby is always welcoming; he always has a smile on his face. He cannot see the work that has been done, but he knows that the people who come to Crank’s Creek will never let him or the people of this county down. Bobby and Becky have done so much, I only hope that our work can come close to what these two fearless people have done for their community, and the world. –Christina

We were their apostles showing them signs - every soul can strive to make a difference. – AJ