Old Union Mission Trip 2026

Mission Trip 2026, Hendersonville

TUESDAY, AUG. 4

We woke up to yet another foggy morning, but that's normal for mountainous regions during humid summertime. Before leaving, we form a prayer circle. Today, Aaron prayed (his first time in a group) and demonstrated great emotional and spiritual maturity, according to Pastor Peter. Amen! First thing, the whole group met Alex at the HOH headquarters. Then we split up to our respective work sites.

Team Bob G and Team Peter worked together at Marilyn's house to, hopefully, finish the ramp. We had two HfH volunteers, plus Alex and Noah helping us today. It was a very busy worksite. The first half of the ramp and back deck were successfully connected to make one long ramp. We worked very hard to get as much done before the hot sun bared down on us. Then, the majority of us started installing posts and handrails, while a few others installed the three steps that led down from the front of the deck. While we were working, the homeowner opened her back door and watched us. Lorene engaged in conversation with her. Later that morning, Marilyn invited Lorene into her mobile trailer to show her the ants that suddenly invaded her kitchen. They must have been disturbed with our digging around the house. It was nice to see that she is more engaged with us than yesterday. We enjoyed our self-packed lunches under the cool shade of a pop-up canopy. While we were eating, we had a non-human visitor. A friendly gray and tan cat came to visit. Tim offered it a small piece of lunchmeat and they became fast friends! It was nice and friendly like Chester (the cat we met last year, and you know, I, Clark, had to pet this cat too!) Now, we had hoped to completely finish the ramp today, but God had other plans. He sent a summer lightning and thunder storm, which sent us hurriedly scrambling to put the equipment away. We ended a half-hour early, which let me take an early shower and even a nap!

Now for Team Jeff B--Jeff, Dave, and Bob Y put in flooring, Cassie finished some painting, and Joe did siding. Judy and Cassie met the new homeowner today. She had helped to build her house, as well as some of her neighbors. Judy said the homeowner was very grateful for all of the work HfH and groups have done to create her home. Estimated move-in date is Oct 31, 2026. They did not experience the storm that we did, and worked until 4 PM.

We had a very delicious dinner of lasagne, salad, and Italian bread. The lasagne tasted home-made although Stouffer's made it. Carl made a crockpot apple cobbler which we enjoyed with ice cream! YUMMY! After dinner, Lorene led devotions from Mark 3:13-15. Jesus invited 12 friends up to a mountaintop and commissioned them as his disciples. He wanted to be with them before He told them to go out and minister to and heal others. She played the song "I Can Only Imagine" which caused all of us to pause and reflect what it would be like to meet Jesus and the emotions that would result.

Now you may remember that normally on Tuesday, I talk about the host church. But this year, I will talk about the generosity of Lutheridge, a Lutheran camp, to provide our accommodations for our large group. They were able to do so because their youth summer camping season is over. We are divided into 4 air-conditioned cabins with bunk beds and shower. We have access to a large lodge with full kitchen and large dining room to eat and meet together. However, we have yet to make use of the adjoining great hall. There is no A/C in the lodge, but we let fresh air in by opening windows and doors, with fans blowing to circulate the air.

One of the HfH employees who oversaw Jeff B's crew had recently injured herself on the job. She is very limited in what she can do--she needs our prayers for a quick recovery. Pastor Peter read a text from Catherine from HfH expressing thanks for doing a thorough job.

After devotions, discussion followed about our choices for recreation tomorrow afternoon. Wednesdays we work half a day, leaving the afternoon free to do an activity of our choice. Eight people are going to the Art District in Asheville, six are going to Hooker Falls with a swimming hole, and Clark is hoping to go birdwatching.

What a great group of guys (and ladies) you all are. You never even mentioned my mis-matched socks today! Usually not a problem for me, since I rarely wear shorts. Thanks to all of you who read our blogs for your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate it! So, until tomorrow....signing off, Clark and Lorene. p.s. as we are typing up this blog many of us are playing a card game in the dining room as well. By the sounds of it they are having a lot of fun!! Bless you one and all, and Laurie and Eagle.

Here are some pics...