On Tuesday, June 29, 2010, a group of 21 volunteers ranging from 9 to 80 years of age, packed their SUVs with tools, food, sleeping bags and lots of enthusiasm, and headed southwest for Potomac United Methodist Church's first Volunteers in Mission trip to Cherokee, North Carolina.

After a beautiful ten hour drive through the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, the team received a warm welcome from the members of Cherokee UMC. The group received their team assignments that included a variety of jobs for area residents - those who were elderly, handicap,  in need of home repairs or lawn work.  VIM leader, Daryl Testa, formed three teams - Red (to build a wheelchair ramp for a home); White (to make home repairs and create a drainage ditch for a mountainside home); Blue (lawn clean up, grass cutting and repairs to an outdoor worship area). The teams began work bright and early the next morning.

On Wednesday evening the mission team was invited to join the Cherokee UMC members at their weekly pot luck dinner and Bible study. Each person on the VIM team was received with open arms and hand made necklaces by new friend Will. The youth bonded with the children of the church and before long were in the parking lot with basketballs and frisbees. The next day the teens from the two church groups were working side by side.

Plans to attend the performance of "Unto These Hills" - the story of Cherokee Indian - were delayed by one day but on Thursday the group headed for the outdoor theater. A trip to Dairy Queen followed.

Favorite members of the Cherokee UMC team included Brandon, a 21 year-old student from the University of Tennessee, a long with Pat, a Cherokee woman who was wise, funny, and a great cook!  Her 'poor man's peach cobbler' and 'fried bread' were highlights of the Cherokee culinary experience! 

On Friday the group enjoyed a very special presentation by Jerry Wolfe, an 87 year-old Cherokee Veteran of World War II. He shared stories of his life experiences and brought along a blow gun, allowing everyone the chance to attack a cardboard box!

The wheelchair ramp was completed within a few days, and together the team finished the Jackson house project that included a lot of painting, window screen repairs, and the infamous drainage ditch. Mrs. Jackson was so thankful for the home improvements, she presented the group with a basket made from honeysuckle vines that she picked, processed and wove by hand. The basket will be displayed in the church parlor.

By Saturday, the group decided to take advantage of the white water rafting opportunities in the mountains or the annual Pow Wow and Art Show in the town. Sunday morning offered the opportunity to worship at Cherokee with Pastor Bushyhead as the guest pastor. Church elders presented PUMC VIM team with a lovely plaque of appreciation. After lunch, several members of the group chose to visit Mingo Falls, others checked out the local village.  At sunset, the group gathered at the local high school for a 4th of July fireworks show.

The VIM team is truly grateful to members of the church community who helped make this mission trip a reality by purchasing engraved bricks, Joe Corbi products, Christmas wreaths, participating in car washes or making monetary contributions.  VIM Sponsors include:
Darcars, Pumphrey Funeral Home, Potomac Animal Hospital, Thomas McCarthy (Executive Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services), Potomac Pizza, South Street Cheesesteaks, PUMW, PUMYF. 

We will be posting a youtube link shortly.  Be sure to join us on our next VIM trip - it's a life changing and memorable experience.