Trinity Workcampers Help Out In Maine

By The Rev Kurt Huber

Wearing T-shirts designed by award-winning artist and recent NHS graduate Katie Miller, 42 adults and youth from Trinity Episcopal Church left early Sunday morning to travel to Waterville, Maine. We joined another 400 youth and adults from places like Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania to fix up homes. We arrived early in the afternoon at the local high school and the Waterville community welcomed us with food and drinks at the front of the school.

The work sites varied from the city of Waterville to the surrounding countryside. The houses were in need of scraping and painting, roof repair, or some deck work, and many sites added a needed wheelchair ramp. One crew built a ramp so the owner, who was confined to a wheelchair, could get in and out of the house. (The first time in over a year!)

On the first day with our work crew (made up of six people: one adult and five youth from different churches), we were warmly welcomed by the residents. They provided food and drinks. Some even cooked meals for their crews, but most of all they provided support to us while we worked. They laughed with us, cried with us, prayed with us, and we all enjoyed one another’s company.

As Deirdre Dougherty, a recent NHS graduate and a Trinity workcamper, said, “I think all of them were grateful even if they didn’t say it. This reaffirmed my faith in people and showed me that even in the most desperate of situations, there are people who have hope even when they should have given up. It makes me put more effort into my life.”

The week flew by, but the changes that took place were amazing. Certainly the homes would never be the same again. Homes that looked tattered and worn were bright again with new coats of paint, new shingles on the roof. Decks and ramps were built and many little things from plants to signs were given or fixed up so that even the smallest of details were noticeable.

Not only did the homes brighten up; so too the spirits of the residents. They saw their homes renewed and their faces shone with gratitude and joy. The week also was punctuated by moments of relaxation and fun. On Wednesday, most groups headed to nearby lakes for some refreshment, swimming, and just a place to run around and enjoy each other’s company. Each evening we gathered in the high school gym to celebrate our faith in song and devotion, to explore our faith through dramas and videos, and to prepare for the next day’s work. A highlight of each day was taken in pictures, which were shown each night.

John Ehlers, an NHS senior and Trinity workcamper, remarked, “Work camp has changed the way I look at life by increasing my sensitivity toward those who have less than I. Instead of merely acknowledging these less fortunate people, I strive to help them overcome some of their troubles.”

Curt Symes, an adult volunteer, noted, “Across my five work camps, almost every Trinity youth has come away with a new sense of religion, purpose, and mission from their participation.”

We left that Saturday morning with a sense of accomplishment, joy, and satisfaction. We learned that by extending our helping hand, we were changed as well.