Dawson Springs, KY – July 9-15, 2023

A group of 13 energetic youth came from Mercersburg Mennonite Church youth group. Asa Ropp, nephew of head cook Emily Ropp, stayed another week. They worked on getting 3 houses near completion and in fact finished one home. The week ended with a house dedication for new homeowner, Andy Heid. A bible and wall hanging were presented to him.  Pastors from two local churches and well as family members and representatives from funding group Catholic Charities and the Long Term Recovery Group were in attendance. The dedication ended with all enjoying a cookie pizza made and decorated with “Welcome Home Andy” by volunteer Allyssa Horst.

Lacey Duke’s home received insulation, painted doors, as well as touch ups and caulking on trim by the volunteers.  Volunteers also completed painting, caulking, installation of mirrors and shelving on Brittany Randolph’s home.

Volunteers worked very hard to complete Andy Heid’s home. Insulation was blown in with volunteers taking turns going up to the attic in 90-degree heat. Door frames, trim, and doors were painted and touched up where necessary.  Finally, appliances were installed, and the house was given a spic and span cleaning in time for the dedication.  The morning of the dedication the entire group met at Andy’s new house for a treat of donuts and a time to hear Andy’s remarkable tornado story.  It should be noted that Andy treated volunteers weekly with local delicious donuts.

From Wednesday thru Friday interviewer, Susan Kim and photographer Paul Hunt were here interviewing and photographing volunteers, staff and homeowners.  They added a welcome component to the week.

Finally, we said goodbye to Jonas Schmidt, crew leader who has served with MDS for a year and will head back to his home country, Germany. Jonas has been an excellent staff person and we will miss him.

Submitted by Lou Erb, Office Manager, Dawson Springs, KY