West Asheville, NC – Sept. 7-13, 2025

This week we celebrated Carl and Laura Dube’s 4 months of service in West Asheville and tried to absorb in 2 days all that they had learned and initiated in 4 months! The changes in the physical building since May are profound as are the many relationships they developed with RSAA and the Asheville community. Adonis Lewis, who is the Director of Strategy and Impact for RSAA, joined us for breakfast on Wednesday AM to present a photo to the Dubes as a memento for their time here in West Asheville.

The work on the RSAA building continues with painting, flooring, installing cove molding, and transition strips.  Fire extinguishers were installed and the HVAC work was completed. We are getting closer and closer to being ready for our occupancy inspection.

Hawkins’ home needed a back room removed due to rain damage so several volunteers spent the week on that project repairing the wall, installing siding and roofing. Repairs were made to the front porch and steps, both of which were made handicap accessible.

The entire MDS group of volunteers were invited to the home of Tom and Colleen Barnet for a delicious meal and fellowship with other Mennonites in the area. It seems like everyone we meet expresses great gratitude for MDS being here and the work that is being done in their community.

Next week we hope to complete all the tasks needed for the Fire inspection and the work in the building will continue.