Weekly report for Anahuac

Two volunteer teams arrived Sunday evening, one from Iowa, and the other from southern Michigan. After a good night of rest, the two teams came together at breakfast on Monday morning as if they were neighbors, and attending the same church. Hearty laughter and busy conversation is always a good sign the week is going to be productive, and fun; especially when the week starts with a MDS breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and coffee. The weather became a serious threat to delaying the final week of work. The sky remained dark and cloudy, but thankfully, the rain did not become a problem. Distant deep thunder was heard daily. Severe thunder storms traveled through the area, and an official tornado watch added a little anxiety to the late evening hours.

The town of Winnie (east of Anahuac) was once again the direction for two MDS teams. The shingles on the roof of Gale’s home had to be finished from the previous week. The big roof of the home belonging to Mary was the focal point for the other team. Roofs on homes located in the town of Anahuac receiving repairs and new shingles during the week belonged to Peggy, Herman, and Ray. Ray’s home also received serious repair work on the soffit. In Gale and Danita’s homes interior ceilings and walls damaged by strong winds and driving rain from Hurricane Ike received special attention and repairs.

MDS volunteers worked on Hope’s home again. When volunteers shingled her home in February, they noticed how the front porch on the house was a disaster, and an unsafe place for her children to play. A day was spent removing rotten wood, and building a new porch on the house. Hope’s young children had a lot of fun watching, and “assisting” the volunteers. MDS bought the Mid-Chambers County Christian Center a new washing machine to clean donated clothing. Volunteers took time after the evening meal to install the new washing machine. Also, other volunteers took extra time in the evening to install an outdoor security light for a homeowner.

Thursday night the job reports were sung by each team. Creativity and musical talent from MDS volunteers produced thunderous applause, whistles, and loud laughter.

This is the final week the MDS Anahuac camp is open. Friday was used to store tools, dismantle bunk beds, pack kitchen equipment, and office supplies. During the last three months it has been impressive how the local churches, pharmacy, lumber yard, grocery store, gas station, tire shop, bank, post office, restaurant, and especially the Dairy Queen, were all accommodating in making the sometime hectic daily life of a MDS staff volunteer easier. Each day big smiles, warm greetings, and a handshake from folks in the community become an inspiration for all MDS volunteers.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Gordon, Iva, Anita, Henry, Jared, Margret, Amy, Tina, and Mike