Weekly Report for Diamond

On Sunday most of us attended River of Life Ministry Church were a number of our clients attend. It was exciting to see their involvement in their church.

It was amazing to see how God works long in advance, before we even knew what our needs would be this week and brings just the right skills to a project. We had a group of two women and six men from Virginia led by James Truslow, who were our framing crew, working on Mr. Ron’s house. The house saw lots of progress this week. With the roof installed and tar papered, the remainder of the sheeting added to the side walls and the doors and windows installed. They only worked through Thursday noon as they needed to be home for a funeral of a long time friend, a former MDS worker. Mr. Ron made us beans again this week. Yum!

We also had a group of 13 from Steinmann Mennonite Church led by Pastor Steve Drudges from New Hamburg area of Ontario. Steve and his daughter were here last year and returned and brought others along with them. Again, it was the right mix of skills to get the jobs done.

The handymen and electricians in the group got the new bathroom floor installed in Ms. Odie’s house and it is finished and passed inspection. They also fixed other wiring mistakes and a lot of other handy jobs at various houses.

Maurice and Karen’s house passed the final inspection and they already have their house almost decorated and furnished.

Dwight and Theresa’s house got the dry-walling finished and its painted sunshine yellow. It was great to have some skilled painters. Miss Theresa was in tears.

Rosina house got the floor finished, kitchen cabinets installed and the electrical work done, plus other odds and ends done.

Paul and Carolyn’s house had all the finishing touches done this week and it’s finished, waiting for inspection. They and their daughter had supper with us Thursday evening and shared their story with us. They’re looking forward to having room to have their son living with them again. With tears in their eyes they thanked MDS over and over.

Diamond Project will be closed until June when the Summer Youth Program starts.

Maureen will stay on for three weeks as caretaker, Martha will go to New Orleans to cook and Darwin will stay for a few days to help Maureen finish Ms. Audrey’s deck roof and then will go to New Orleans. The remainder of our group is heading to our homes, after having a great time working together and ministering to the needs of the Bayou people in this beautiful part of God’s creation.

Bonnie, Maureen, Jean, Sarah, Martha, Darwin and Ray and Martha