Youth to Deep Roots
It was a tremendous joy to be with ORUCC youth on our Service/Mission trip August 7014, 2021 as we worked and served at Deep Roots in Earlville, Maryland. There were so many meaningful moments and I was continuously filled with joy with the youth’s determination, positive spirit, good humor, and deep love for the work we were doing.
Before landing in Earlville, we stopped in Philadelphia on Sunday and spent time at Reading Terminal Market (Food Market), took pictures under the “LOVE” statue, visited the Liberty Bell Visitor Center, and toured Independence Hall.
We got back on the bus and drove to Earlville, Maryland and arrived at Deep Roots around 4:30 p.m. We unloaded the bus and unpacked, ate dinner, showered and were ready for a good night’s sleep.
We worked and completed many projects at Deep Roots and it was very gratifying to see the progress we were making. Our projects included: cleaning out their vegetable garden, removing branches and logs from two fallen trees, clearing their walking path to their campfire/firepit, cleaning out their office space, cleaning out and organizing their supply shed that stored paint and supplies, cleaning and organizing their tool shed, painting and organizing their food pantry, cleaning and painting in their dining hall, painting two murals, painting their pavilion, helping with lunch and dinner prep, helping with breakfast/lunch/dinner clean-up. We also got to meet and play with some of the children who were living there. Despite the extremely high heat and humidity, we found joy in working together and completing many projects.
Wednesday was our day off and we spent time at Ocean City, Maryland. We swam in the ocean, explored the Boardwalk, and were refreshed by the cool ocean breeze.
If anyone might be worried, all of us on the trip were vaccinated. We always were masks whenever we were indoors. At Deep Roots we ate all our meals outside and when we were with children we were always outside and keeping some distance as we played.
We got back on the bus Friday late afternoon, enjoyed a celebratory supper at Luna’s Pizzeria in Middletown, Delaware before traveling back to Wisconsin. On early Saturday morning, we rolled off the bus and hiked around the Indiana Sand Dunes to wake us up and get the kinks out. We arrived back in Madison early Saturday afternoon.
A big shout out to our wonderful chaperones: Maya Kaspar, Chuck Kaspar, Kristin Muckian, and Greg Louden. And our Team Leaders—Lila Eggerling-Boeck, Rebekah Hoard, and Lily Martens.
It was also rewarding to have four of our 2020 graduates join the trip–Rachel Hoard, Maddie Miller, Charlotte Ravenscroft, and Gabe Martens. They were wonderful role models for our younger youth and made great connections with them.
Thanks to all of you who provided donations. It was wonderful to unload all of the supplies and also provide a financial gift to Deep Roots.