Weekly Report from New Orleans

With the new Project Director, his wife (the cook) and three long-term volunteers now on board, preparation of the kitchen, re-organizing the tool room, checking vehicles, and cleaning bunk beds were all part of the many efforts bringing together the time-honored MDS environment, and getting ready for the faithful weekly volunteers soon to arrive.

Conversation, laughter, and youth-filled energy quickly filled the MDS Hayne Building when the team from Hartville (Ohio) Mennonite Church arrived Sunday night. With a team totaling seventeen, fourteen were first time MDS volunteers. After a good nights rest, and enjoying a delicious MDS breakfast, everyone was anxious to get to work. Caution was given each morning regarding the hot and humid weather that remains part of the fall season in Southern Louisiana. Five homes were on the agenda.

A tall sturdy platform was built to hold the AC condenser at the new home of Mr. Milton. Additional insulation work under Mr. Milton’s home was also completed. At the home of Ms. Marie T, a sturdy platform was also built for the AC condenser. The new home of Ms. Marie G saw the skillful installation of “hardi-backer,” and a beautiful tile floor. Within the home belonging to owner Ms. Juanita, a new tile floor was carefully installed after repairing a few soft spots. At the home of Ms. Agnes, work was accomplished on the new laminated floor. The team effort at each home was oblivious with the amount of worthy work accomplished.

Each evening the Hayne Building was filled with the sounds of competitive ping-pong games, card games, and hearty discussions about the day’s work. Thursday afternoon the weekly volunteers and the MDS staff toured the New Orleans area and enjoyed an evening meal at the Acme Oyster House.

Jim, Marie, Walter, Peter, Graham, and Mike 

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have

shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)