Elk, WA – Nov. 16-22, 2025

A group of eight weekly volunteers from Madison Mennonite Church, Madison WI, spent the week in Elk. By the end of the week, bundles of shingles were on the roof (with the help of Bill’s equipment). The front decking on house #1 was completed; exterior foam board done; purple insulation and windows installed. 

On house #2 framed the A-frame over the porch; put in window wells; blocked and braced the trusses; and began working on the deck. Bundles of shingles are on the roof, again with help from Bill. 

House three is ready for framing and house four has the foundation poured.  

The group from Madison worship together and know each other; five of them were new to MS. The group  graciously included the Long Term Volunteers in conversations and activities. As usual, we found friends and travel destinations in common.   

On Saturday Long termers explored the area, some of us going to a National Wildlife Reserve, some to Grand Coulee Dam, and others to the western mountains. We all ate together Saturday night at the First Street Café in Deer Park. On Sunday some of us worshipped with the Williams Valley Mennonite church and enjoyed lunch with them.  

We are expecting two couples from northern Indiana and a man from Vancouver BC to join us next week. Four long term volunteers from northern New York will arrive by train early Monday morning. We continue to work toward the goal of having at least three houses dried in by December 20.