We had been running ahead of our schedule, so our arrival in the Valley ended up being right when we told Sister Josie we'd be there. It is bounded by the Sangre de Christo and Culebra ranges on the east and the San Juan range on the west. 13,000' and even 14,000' mountains can be seen from the San Luis Valley floor, and snowbanks were visible, even in July. Temperatures at night dipped into the 50's at San Luis, but can be much lower at other locations. It is arid, but artesian wells supply water for irrigation, so it can be highly productive.
Mountain streams flow down into the valley, and they bring life to the valley floor.
These are large counties, mainly agricultural, and with a high unemployment rate. Groups ranging from 5-30 participants spend a week helping elderly, poor, and handicapped people with home repairs, landscaping, painting, and any other needs they may have. It has since become a non-denominational agency and serves to address needs in the Valley. Our home for the next 6 nights was the parish hall of the Sangre de Christo Catholic Church in San Luis, Colorado. Floors provided our bed for the entire week, but there were showers available as well as a kitchen so we could cook some of our meals.