Weekly Report for Newton, Texas

We are a larger MDS family this week welcoming 19 eager volunteers from Crystal City, Manitoba. The caravan arrived together in four rented minivans after landing at the Houston airport. We were happy to see the vans as our MDS van died the day before and we needed transportation to job sites. They complied willingly foregoing reimbursement.

Monday began with the usually scurry of activity getting ready to go the job sites. Morning prayer had our attention with the sound of harmonious voices blessing our meal – how beautiful it was!! Our new cooks did a splendid job of satisfying everyone with wholesome, hearty breakfast and dinners. To think I have trouble cooking for two sometimes and this week we are 29!! 

Over at the job sites, the H roof is getting replaced and the G porch and M handicapped ramp get a final coat of paint. Over at the S house drywall is going up. Ground is being broken with lots of shoveling in preparation for the foundation at the J house. We also have a couple of willing volunteers on sanitation duty. The dump site here in Newton is so clean as the garbage goes directly into containers and is taken away. Our little dump trailer even had a hydraulic system making unloading easier than the loading – a dirty job that had to be done – hats off to the ladies!

Wednesday evening we were treated to an evening of piano and song by Miss Sandrin from a church in Huff Creek. Our Canadian volunteers raised their voices in blended harmony singing favorite hymns. The Newton RV group joined us for coffee and dessert as we all enjoyed singing praises together. Guests included Miss Judy who graciously thanked MDS for replacing her porch and helping with painting windows. She gave the glory to God as she saw Him working through volunteers renewing her spirit!   She has new friends in Canada now and plans keeping in touch with them.

All too soon the week is over and clean up begins on dorms and vehicles. Along with a hearty lunch, vehicles are loaded up with satisfied volunteers going home to share their stories. The camp is quiet and back to our long-termers, ten in all to rest up and get ready for the next group; six Americans this time, only two Canadians!!

Receiving His blessings,

Alec and Laurie, Hank and Viola, Willie and Jacquie, Ed and Betty Reimer, Dick Buhler and Dave Riley