By Kate Stefanowicz

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9

        As this past week came to an end, I was pretty exhausted, but in a good way. This past week we were able to finish another job, which included a new roof, new door and deck. I was only a part of the roof part of the project, but it was good to see it all finished and to see how happy our participant was with the work we had done. This week also included a Thanksgiving luncheon at the office in Hagerhill, Kentucky. There was lots of food and fellowship. So by the end of our work week I was tired from working and from eating, but our volunteer house (Floyd House) had comitted to an extra project this weekend. We helped fix up a home for one of our housemates' participants. I'm going to be honest and say that I wasn't too excited about the project because I was already exhausted from the week and just wanted to have a relaxing weekend. But after working all day Friday and Saturday and seeing the progress we made on this participants' house, I was glad that I decided to participate in this extra project. Even though there is still work to be done, we made a significant dent in improving the house. Not only did we accomplish a lot of work but we got to know the participant and his many chickens, roosters and two dogs. He was so delighted to have us there and didn't really care what we did, because to him anything we did was an improvement to his current living situation. This also brought up the thought that I am so thankful for what I have because this man did not have running water or indoor plumbing, yet he was perfectly content with his lifestyle. This was hard for me to comprehend because I could never imagine growing up with no indoor plumbing or running water. This project was definitely an eye opening one and I continue to thank God for everything I have and for allowing us to be able to help this man out.

"This day and your life...are God's gift to you, so give thanks and be joyful always!"

Kate is a long-term volunteer in CAP's Housing program. She lives in Floyd Volunteer House.