Catherine here again, you probably thought I fell off the face of the planet! Well, not quite…I’ve just been really busy at CAP! (I realize this is not a good excuse for lack of blogging, but that’s what’s been going on.)

And guess what? This Florida kid has nearly made it through another Kentucky winter! I thought I was in the clear once March rolled in, but it snowed this past Sunday. I woke up, got ready for church, and looked out my window in the Johnson House to see the white stuff coming down again. But spring is coming; my allergies have been telling me that for a couple of weeks. :-)

Last week, I was privileged to go to a conference of volunteers from all over the country in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a chance to meet, discuss our service placements, our next steps, learn, and be encouraged. I met some really amazing servants and heard some inspiring stories. As the week progressed, I became more and more thankful for the opportunity I have had these past 18 months at CAP. Since I began my service, I feel like I have gained so much more than I have given. This conference was an opportunity to reflect on my experience so far, and it left me encouraged.

It also left me ready to get back to work! Community Development has been hosting numerous trainings for nonprofits in the past couple of months, and we are only getting busier. As spring rolls in, and the weather becomes more predictable, I will be able to make site visits to various nonprofits in Appalachia. I’m pretty excited to get back on the road, and I’ll bring you along with me! (Really, I promise!)

Catherine Mack is a volunteer in CAP's Community Development program. She lives in Johnson Volunteer House.