Lahaina, HI – Dec. 13-19, 2025

By Donovan Brewer, age 13, 8th grade 

Aloha, from Lahaina! This is Donovan, one of three children at the Lahaina MDS volunteer group. 

Jumping into things, the week started off with roofing on both of the houses we are working on. Along with roofing, other important details—painting, bird blocking, trim, siding, caulking, pushing through shiners, etc.—have been taking place. 

I started off the week at the “white house” and helped one of the crew leaders, Duane, with siding. Then I moved to the “blue house” and worked on bird blocking as well as miscellaneous other things. 

The white house has been completely shingled. It is amazing how the white house has transformed since the first day on the worksite. The blue house has also morphed completely. It went from not having a roof to having our crew make the trusses, putting them up, and sheeting them. 

Being here I have learned so many new things and refined other skills. I have had many great teachers and a lot of help along the way. 

I would like to end with my “Top 7 Quotes” of the December 2025 Lahaina MDS crew. 

1. “When you have a minute, can you please cut this for me?” – Donovan (I frustratingly am not allowed to use the power tools because I’m “too young.”) 
2. “All hands on deck!” – John (when moving trusses off the platform) 
3. “Get out of the way! Wally’s coming!” – Everyone as Wally drives the telehandler to carry big loads 
4. “You know, Donovan, you’re 6’2” and you’re not supposed to be higher than 6 feet. Does that mean you have to duck on every job site?” – James  
5. “Well, Jeremiah, it’s Wednesday, so the wave machine is off today.” – Galen  
6. “I bet John has those blueprints memorized.” – Tim  
7. “Watch out! The showers are dangerous!” – James  

And from the office manager… I can’t top that! We were blessed and honored to work, play, puzzle, laugh, pray and serve together. We are closing down camp for the Christmas break, heading home for the holidays with full hearts.