Newton, TX – RV – Jan. 12-18, 2025

We began our second week in Newton by attending the Jasper County Cowboy Church on Sunday morning.  In the evening, we met to celebrate Mary’s birthday with ice cream, snacks and another rousing game of Swipe.

Monday morning, we again split into two groups of volunteers to work at two different homes.  Jean, Lori and Dave worked at the Diggles home, installing flooring, cabinets and doors.  On Tuesday Jean and Lori moved to the Minnix home and Vernon joined Dave to continue flooring and installing doors.

At the Minnix tiny home, Vernon finished the drywall; Ed and Tom finished the front porch and began constructing the back porch.  By Thursday afternoon, the back porch was finished.  Doug and Duane pulled roof panels and checked for leaks and resealed problem areas.  Jean and Lori joined this crew on Tuesday to prime and paint the walls.  A storm door, lights, ceiling fans and a bathroom exhaust fan were installed.

Thursday evening, we gathered for a potluck dinner of chili and corn bread, salad and carrot cake and sweet potato pie for dessert.  Once again, we ended the evening with a game of Swipe – we promise to learn a new game!  We were ready for the weekend break, ending the work week with a sense of accomplishment and a realization that one of these homes will be ready for a housewarming soon!  That is why we are here – to be the hands and feet of Jesus, giving families renewed hope as they return to their homes.

Ruth for the Newton TX RV Volunteers