Hard To Describe - My Stop in Maybeury, WV

(Joanna and I in 1995)

(Johnny, Joanna and I today)

(Junetta and I today)

When I was 15 years old I was fortunate to be a part of a group from Trinity United Methodist in Sumter that traveled to Northfork, WV for a weeklong mission trip with Mustard Seeds and Mountains. Up until that point in my life, I was just a kid and a teenager doing kid and teenager things. Sleepovers, playing sports, going to school, etc. Little did I know that that week in southern West Virginia would set me on the path that leads me to where I am today.

That week my group worked on the house of Johnny, his wife Junetta and their three kids Andrea, Johnny and Joanna. Repairing their home and building a front porch was good experience for me. It taught me how to be selfless and give of myself to help another human. It was also great for me to learn how to work with my hands.  I enjoy building and repairing things, and I can’t help but wonder if that week helped spark that for me.

However, it was the relationships that were built with the family that really changed my life. I remember talking with Junetta for what seemed like hours on end about her life and sharing mine. It was an incredible connection that I never forgot. I remember Joanna, who was around 5 at the time, following me around the job site. I remember Johnny Sr. helping us with the porch. I remember playing with Johnny Jr. and Andrea. The time with the family was truly amazing. That week FLEW by and it was that week that showed me being of service to others was something I wanted for the rest of my life. I can't thank Mark and the rest of the adults from Trinity that made that trip happen.

I never forgot about the family. It was around 4 years ago that I went to Google and found a phone number that seemed like it might be Junetta and Johnny's number. I called it. And much to my surprise, Junetta answered. As I fumbled with my words to explain who I was she cut me off and said, "I remember you, Brian. I've never forgotten about you." We talked for a long time as she caught me up on life in WV and how her family was doing.....the highs and the lows. I ended the conversation telling her that I hoped to make it to WV one day again and when I did, I would stop by.

That day was today. Joanna and Johnny have grown up. Joanna's amazingly cute kids were running around the porch, Johnny stopped by with his girlfriend.....and then there was Junetta.....sweet Junetta was there to welcome me like it was just another day on the job site. Except this visit was 23 years after our first meeting.

I really can't describe how it felt being with this family again. I'm feeling so many emotions right now including joy, sadness, contentment, thankfulness. What a rich experience it was to be in the presence of this wonderfully loving family. We sat and talked for a couple of hours as I heard about family updates and I updated them on my life. We talked about real things: addiction, regrets, letting go, fears and more. I could have talked for hours and hours. As I got up to leave Junetta said, "Can we tie you to this bench? I don't want you to leave." I didn't want to leave either. Seeing Johnny and Joanna as beautiful 28 year olds absolutely blew me away. What a wonderful testament to the work of Johnny and Junetta. They have raised great kids. I hate I missed Andrea. Maybe one day I'll see her again. Johnny Sr., I'll see you sometime soon I hope my man.

Junetta and family, this won't be the last time I see you guys. I love each of you very much and, as always, only want the best for you. It was so wonderful to be around your family. I can't thank you enough for allowing me into your home and into your life again. I'm so thankful to have seen all of you. This won't be the last time I assure you. You always have a friend in SC and know that I'm you're biggest fan. I'll always answer when you call.

Trudy and Nate of Mustard Seeds and Mountains, thank you for your care and hospitality. You have provided me an avenue to re-light my service fire that was lit back in 1995. Thank you so much for providing this experience for me. God is doing some wonderful things here through your work.

When I look back on my life it's really incredible to see the experiences I've had. I'm in a thankful spot right now.