May 2001

Paul Wright recently ventured into the unknown on a three-week mission trip to Kiev. Traveling with a church group from Oregon, they found their building project was slightly different than what they expected. However, they were not deterred, and set about installing a second floor on a church structure, and sheet-rocking, taping and mudding walls. The team also surprised the congregation by building and painting pews for their sanctuary. 

Paul says he found conditions in the country quite primitive in many respects, although he kept in touch with his own and church families by e-mail. The food was quite different, as well, and the weather very changeable – hot and sweltering to cool. During brief breaks from their construction work they were able to do some sight-seeing, including a trip into the forest for a picnic and a three-day trip to Odessa, Ukraine. 

Paul is glad to be back home, but says it was an unforgettable experience. He and JoAnn have participated in several short-term mission projects, and find them very hard work, yet very rewarding. 

The Wrights both retired from careers in education: JoAnn as an elementary teacher, and Paul as a principal. They were among the first residents of Sun City, moving from Concord early in 1995. They were also in on the ground floor of PGCC, participating in Bible studies before the congregation was formed. Paul serves as an elder and church secretary; JoAnn is on the counting team.