Monday - Fourth of July

We’ve had a rousing Fourth of July, starting the day with a parade through the streets of Hamlin, W.Va.  Our work crews walked behind the float for one of the local churches, waving to the crowds and helping to distribute candy to the kids. It was great to witness the gratitude that the people of Lincoln County have for Youth Work, we repeatedly heard, “Thank you” and “Keep up the good job.”  It’s easy to see why the citizens are appreciative when you realize that 35 percent of Lincoln County residents live below the poverty line and 34.5 are on disability.

Tim makes friends in Hamlin.

Princess waves for all.

Since the parade left us with a short day, we didn’t get too deeply into our work schedule.  The Kids Club crew planned their skits and other events. The work crews did a variety of jobs around the primary school – primarily weeding and prepping the restrooms for painting.

Carter in double vision.

Team weeding.

A step up for Ashleigh.

Later tonight, we’ll go to the fireworks display at the high school sports field.

Comments on the day so far:
Carter: “Some of it is nice but a lot of it is really run down. There’s a lot of work to do.”
Daniel Montoya: “We got a lot done (weeding), but it was a long and painful process.”
Daniel McCloskey: “Everything is so close together because it’s such a small town.”
Nikki: "I wish it wasn't as humid here."