In just a couple months of service at Christian Appalachian Project I grew a closer connection to God. To see the people who selflessly gave up their spring break or their summer to volunteer was breathtaking. I was born and raised in Kentucky, so I believe it has a greater effect on me to see how people will come from far and wide just to lend a hand. My experience with CAP goes back to 2011 when I was fresh out of high school and spent the summer as a counselor at Camp Andrew Jackson. I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to go. But when I did I experienced something that changed my life forever.

Brad (front and center) with his fellow Camp AJ volunteers

That summer I discovered, not only something I wish I could do as a full-time job, but also several friendships that will last a lifetime. I am not a very expressive or loud person, but it didn’t matter. You didn’t have to be to be accepted here. I enjoyed my time at camp so much that two years later I decided to do it again.

The funny thing about CAP is, the more you volunteer the more it tends to grow on you. In October 2013 I decided I was going to explore long-term volunteering with CAP. I felt welcome there. More important, I belonged there. It was a strong calling from God that I give a year volunteering. And when I got the call from Kathy Kluesener (CAP’s Volunteer Admissions Coordinator) to tell me I had been accepted, I was elated.

I was a bit apprehensive when I first moved to Johnson County, the site of my service placement. I am a native Kentuckian, but I had never been this far east before. It’s a much different setting from my home of Pulaski County. But the first time I met the people who inhabited this area, I fell in love.

The first project I worked on in the Housing program was Bertha’s* home. Bertha has a great sense of humor and is not afraid to pick at you while you’re working. She has a wealth of wisdom and great experiences. She has a very inviting tone and is one of the most grateful people you will ever meet.

Another project I had the pleasure of working on was Steve and Jenny’s. Both Steve and his father-in-law John have COPD from working in the mines. They have great spirits about it. Neither one has a pessimistic attitude. And Jenny always makes you feel important. They, too, are very grateful. And it’s working for these people that makes me grateful that I was called upon to serve. I have a greater appreciation for my own background. I didn’t have much growing up either, but I didn’t have nearly as tough of a road to walk as they do.

I am eternally grateful for the time I have spent in Johnson County, Kentucky. The spirit of the mountains is strong, and my pride in being a Kentuckian has never been stronger.

* all participant names are pseudonyms

Brad W. is a long-term CAP Volunteer serving as an AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member in CAP's Housing program. He is a member of the Johnson Volunteer Community.