“Melody on the Roof”

In 2010, we sent a group of youth and adults to Harlan County, Kentucky for a week-long service project with a Mennonite organization, Sharing with Appalachian People (SWAP).  For one work team, Ben Williamson, Cherie Roeker and Elaine Matyi led a group of five youth in building a trailer cap, constructing rafters and attaching a tin roof. They were humbled by home-owner Kathy’s willingness to help in the construction and to prepare home-made meals for lunch each day.  “We were touched by Kathy’s generosity,” said Elaine.

What Good Shepherd means to me:

A letter from Kathy, the homeowner, 7/31/2010

I would like to thank everyone for the great job you have done. I wanted to write you this letter because it’s much easier for me to express my feelings this way.

It’s a great thing that you are doing for the people of Appalachia. You are wonderful, caring people to travel for hours to help complete strangers. It’s good to know that there are people across the U.S. who take interest in the people that live here. When I was younger I always thought that everyone not from this area considered all of us to be ignorant, lazy hillbillies. I hope your experience here has proved otherwise. Our way of life is different here, as every area is, but I love it here. I think this area has changed a lot over the years. For the most part we are caring, knowledgeable people.

Minnesota and California should be glad to have people like all of you. Please thank your church members and everyone who helped raise the money for you to do this. All of you will remain in my good memories and prayers. Every time rain plays a melody on our roof we will think of you.

Love and best wishes,

Kathy, Jackie, and Adrian