By Mary Pratt
St. James' Episcopal Church
Hackettstown, NJ
When I began my EAM journey I thought I knew what to expect. As the week wore on I came to realize that what I thought would be a week of physical labor, evolved into a multi-leveled experience not only for the body, but more importantly for the spirit. It did not take me long to realize that Grace House could not be more aptly named.
I truly feel that I have been given an incredible gift; one that I have not yet begun to fully appreciate or understand.
As my life unfolds, I am often reminded of the Carol King song "Tapestry". The EAM experience has added to the tapestry of my life. Textures and colors have been woven into squares of new and exciting designs. When I stand back to look at what has been added, I am compelled to look at every inch of the new fabric to try to discern the full meaning of the weave that is spread out in front of me. Although I might not know the full impact of change that has been affected in my life by EAM, I do know my life is much richer and more blessed for the time spent with new friends and for all the new lessons I have learned.
I also know that the EAM journey is not one taken alone. God's presence was everywhere. From the love and prayers of my both my family and church family left behind, to the humor and dedication I shared with my fellow travelers from New Jersey to Virginia, God was there. On the afternoon when I returned to Grace House dejected and defeated, my broken spirit shattered in the mud on the mountain because that day I had to face my physical limitations, God was there in the arms that enfolded me and the voices that encouraged me to continue on. In the sincere gratitude of all our host families, even though two projects were not completed, God was there. At every service, at every group gathering, be it meals or just talking on the front porch, God was definitely with all of us.
To my fellow EAMers, I send my love and gratitude. To all of you who have not shared in the EAM experience, I invite you to join us next year on the mountain at Grace House. Bring your tools, your spirit, and your love of God and for your brothers and sisters in Christ. You will not be sorry you did.
By Bob Burgwald
Church of St. John the Evangelist,
Flossmoor, IL
Even a month after leaving this summer's somewhat damp work camp, my experience still resonates with me and continues to inform my daily life. I've become accustomed to the routine of the Christian life being a process of continuous transformation and this was certainly one of the most vivid examples I've ever seen of the Holy Spirit in action in people's lives.
I'm very grateful to EAM for making such an opportunity available to me. In a very real sense, I have not left Appalachia. I fully intend to return next year with my students in tow, God willing.
By Jane Pruter-Scherlis
Church of the Holy Spirit
Littleton, Colorado
The sign at the entrance says "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You." I would change that to read "The Episcopal Church TransformsYou."
Grace House, EAM staff, fellow campers and our hosts became home and family for an incredible week of my summer. The whole experience has captured my heart and blessed me in inscrutable ways. Never have I formed such warm and tender relationships in the span of seven days. Working with the other participants and along side our hosts was simply a slice of heaven.
My biggest surprise was at week's end when I imagined I might feel spent by my offering to the project. Nothing could have been farther form the truth because the sense of repletion brimmed in my heart and then overflowed! That was particularly evident on Friday night when Vileta, her family and Bude lead us in the sweetest worship. And don't you know, I had the best seat in the house - in the lap of my Father!
Thank you all for welcoming me to a transforming week.
By Hannah Lokko
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Englewood, NJ
On Sunday, August 3rd, 2003 we arrived at Grace House, where my journey to a new experience began. Over all, it was a great joy helping other people while helping myself. I met new people and made new friends. I have learned that using the knowledge and talent to help others and care about them is what "love thy neighbor" is all about. But I have to say even though there are some things you have to get used to at Grace House, I really had a good time there. A memorable one too!
My experiences were fun and eventful. The worksite I was on was the where we had to put up J-channel around the windows and doors for vinyl siding. We then put a starter of siding on the bottom of the house making sure the house was level. That was hard.
I think that spiritually, physically and mentally this trip brings out another side of you, a side that you might not have known you had .
