Amory, MS – Mar. 2-8, 2025

We begin as a new group of long-term volunteers and are learning to know each other and are finding our way in our varied roles. Joetta Schlabach, Grand Marais, MI; Cindy and Dan Steiner, Goshen, IN; Naomi and Joe Byler, Salisbury, PA; Leo and Mim Martin, New Holland, PA; Hank Gerbrandt, Winnipeg, MB; Mary Joyce Wise, Auburn, NY.

We welcomed a great group of well skilled men from Shipshewana, IN this week.  They made it easy for us to transition into our jobs.

We completed work at Ms. Fanta’s.  Flooring was completed, drywall patched and quarter-round installed, screen door installed, painting and a few other favors like hanging blinds.

Mr. George is a reserved person who was initially hesitant of having us work in his home.  A crew leader is gently gaining his trust, and he is allowing items to be moved so more work can be done.  The crew continues work tearing down ceilings, insulating and installing drywall.

At Ms. Gracie’s, great strides were made.  An exterior wall was removed and rebuilt and sided, all new windows were installed and trimmed, the house was re-wired with a 200 amp service, plumbing replaced, tore out kitchen, and interior walls framed.  We were thankful for the great crew that had creative ideas to accomplish the removal of the exterior wall and many other things!

Work at four other sites has included siding, drywalling of walls and ceilings, and plumbing repairs.  At Ms. Stacie’s a damaged porch overhang was miraculously rebuilt by our creative volunteers.

It has been a cool week with one day of rain.  We said goodbye to Hank on Saturday and were very thankful for his help during this week of transition.  Mary Joyce arrived Saturday evening and we look forward to her joining our team as crew leader.

On Sunday, our leadership team was blessed to attend the New Chapel United Methodist Church where Ms. Gracie and her husband are pastors. Including our group, the attendance was 27.  They call themselves “a small church with a big heart.”