Perry, FL – SYP – July 13-19, 2025

Each of the groups of weekly volunteers has brought hard workers.  This past week volunteers came from Plain City, OH. No matter the task, someone has pitched in and done what needed to be done.  We’ve had a few “small” jobs completed this past week—constructing a new ramp from parts secured from another site, repairing water damage on the ceiling and floor, repairing siding, leveling a house, as well as installing windows and crown moulding.  AND the door latch was correctly completed at the NcNair house.  Sounds of pickleball were heard many evenings after a day’s work.

At Buster’s house, work has progressed from drywall mudding and sanding to to painting the walls.  At Dan’s house they repaired the subfloor and began flooring installation.  Painting was done, and as an extra, windows were washed.  What a difference that made with more light coming into the house!  Countertops were installed and construction on the steps began.  Patty’s house received finishing touches—caulking trim, replacing a window pane, and covering exposed exterior wood.  Flooring was finished and baseboard trim was installed.

On Wednesday evening Pat and Willy joined our group to share their hurricane experience.  Willy had settled in for the night but the TV meteorologist kept saying that everyone needed to evacuate.  Pat was finally able to convince Willy to get in the car to leave. They had the road to themselves as they sped to safety.  The next morning they drove back toward home, not knowing what they would find.  At the entrance of their driveway they saw fallen trees all around.  But for the most part their home had been protected and spared extensive damage.  MDSers will paint the bathroom walls and ceiling in their home.  They had other work done on their house.  They expressed gratitude to the volunteers who came to this community to help those in need.

Our hosts at the Church have been most generous.  One weekend the men and boys of the church went fishing and on Sunday evening they fried a wide variety of seafood (with Herb’s help).  We enjoyed a delicious meal and great fellowship together.  Each Sunday morning the men of the church cook breakfast, and we were invited to share the morning meal before the service.

But perhaps the highlight of the time here was a pontoon boat ride in the Gulf one Saturday with Luke and Jennifer.  They swam, gathered scallops and a variety of sea urchins.  Most came back with sunburned shoulders and back, but awesome memories from a new adventure.  That evening we all gathered at Luke and Jennifer’s home and had scallops, shrimp, and red snapper along with a variety of delicious sides.

From Perry, FL—Edith, Tim, Herb, Emily (farewell), Rita, Lucinda, and Adam