At first thought, I find it truly remarkable that 39 people from ages 13 to 75+ can travel 485 miles up and back to Maine, do physical labor for 40+ hours during a week with hammers, saws, and drills on ladders and come back home with only some sunburn, a few bug bites, and a cold that circulated to a few. Thanks be to God!
And then I think about the careful attention to detail in hours of planning, prepping, and teaching that the VIM Management Team put in each year. I recall the safety meeting that takes place on Sunday evening before the work begins when site leaders speak from experience to the gathered work group about what to be careful about and what to make sure to do to stay safe. And while there is a lot of fun on this trip, the safety meeting is one place where everyone is very serious about learning to look out for each other to make sure we all stay safe.
At the end of the week during our closing Communion worship service, I reflected on how during the VIM experience of traveling and living in community – where everyone takes turns pitching in to keep things in order and clean – we become grateful for one another (most of the time), and we truly experience the Holy Spirit at work forming us into a connected community. This is the church. Strangers at the beginning of the week become trusted friends by the end of the week. We share our stories and listen to other people’s stories, we share our frustrations and offer suggestions and support to others, and we shine God’s light to those who have tangible needs that we can help with. It is remarkable to meet people living in a place with limited resources and nonetheless offer unbridled hospitality with cookies, cakes, tea, coffee, cold water, and fresh fruit and veggies - generosity given with grateful hearts.
Thank you to each and every person who helped support the VIM trip this year, for it was truly a blessing to all who were involved. And thank you to the VIM Management Team – site leaders and stewards – for your diligence in caring for the group and providing abundant patience, sweat, and love in service to others. You make me proud to serve as your pastor.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Amy