Crisfield, MD – July 16-22, 2023

Leo Martin from New Holland, PA arrived Sunday afternoon to join our team of long-termvolunteers as an additional crew leader. Our weekly volunteers this week were from the Vincent Mennonite Church, located in Chester County Pennsylvania.  These eight youth and leaders,Steve Breidigan and Jonathan Niles, brought this week’s volunteer total to sixteen.

After Maynard Hostetler came down from Snow Hill to lay out the handicap ramp at the Welch house, the youth began the task of diggingholes for the many posts that needed to be set.  A platform was built for the mini-split condenser and the measuring and installation of the hand railing began.  The Welch house was swept out in preparation for the delivery of the sheets of drywall.  Several volunteers assisted in gathering and assembling furniture for the Bennett house as well as beds for the Sterling house.

Highlights of the week included taking in the beautiful colors of the spectacular sunrises and sunsets.  Wednesday evening Alyssa led us in ameaningful time of singing, while accompanying us on her guitar.  When visiting Jordan’s crab shack, the sea horses were a favorite.  Afterspending a relaxing time visiting with community folk at the Main Street car show Saturday evening, we ended the evening with a special treat. Thank you, David, for satisfying our curiosity as to what Smith Island Cake looks and tastes like.  Yummy, yummy, with or without milk!

Next week we plan to continue working on the long handicap ramp at the Welch house and get the drywall hung.

As one travels around the town of Crisfield and sees numerous large, abandoned houses, it’s very clear that this little town has a long history of prosperity and tragedy.  A quote from Kevin King, “Transform tragedy into joy through service” comes to mind and is the goal of our presence here in Crisfield.  May each endeavor bring us closer to our goal.

Rachel for the rest of the Long Term crew: Anita, Sovilla, David, Leo and Don