Lahaina, HI – Apr. 27- May 1, 2026

How did it get to be our current Leadership Team’s last week here?  This month has surely flown by!  It’s been a month of developing new friendships with those we’ve served alongside, seeing amazing progress on the houses, and enjoying the surroundings in our ‘off’ time.  Most of all, it’s been a blessing to meet the local people here – they are amazing!  And, what an honor to have met several of the homeowners whose houses we are working on, or that previous teams were a part of.

With the current Leadership preparing to return home, the incoming Project Director and Construction Supervisor, Samantha & Ron Zundel, arrived on Wednesday; followed by the incoming Office Manager and Crew Leader, Audrey & Marty Lowen, arriving on Thursday.  It’s been a busy couple of days getting them acquainted with where the progress stands on the three houses we’re involved with, as well as locations of stores around town and our base camp!

The Asunsion House…

Painting, painting, and more painting… but the light at the end of the painting tunnel is now visible!

The Ho’opai House…

The floor is finished, kitchen cabinets are in place, bathroom vanities have been painted and are installed, doors are hung…  It’s amazing how far this house has progressed in the past week!

The Madrigal House…

What a roof design!  There are peaks and valleys from all angles, but our team of volunteers have succeeded in raising the rafters into place.   Other volunteers there have diligently worked at securing the wall framing, adjusting where needed, and getting things ready for the next task. It’s hard to believe that just 2 short weeks ago, this house was just a slab of concrete!

Wednesday night at dinner we were joined by several guests!  Three of the Asuncion House family members; Frances, Stephanie, and Reanne.  Also, several representatives and guests from the Lahaina Interfaith Council:

Rev. Amy Crowe – Holy Innocents Church/Pacific Health Ministry

Rev. Kalani Holokai – Diocese of Hawaii, Holy Innocents Church

Jamie Fernandez – Guest

Pastor John Crewe – Lahaina United Methodist Church

Hyalene Crewe – Guest, wife of Pastor John Crewe

Kailani Ross – Waiola Church UCC

Anastasia Arao – Tagayuna, Wailoa Church UCC

Frances Asuncion spoke of how seeing their home being worked on, and other homes in the area as well, warms her heart.  In one way, she still feels a burden for those still waiting, yet is excited to soon be in her own home again.

The members of the Lahaina Interfaith Council explained their various outreaches to the people of Lahaina and surrounding areas and how they are coming together & uniting to be able to help even more of the residents affected by the fire.

MDS Volunteers all felt blessed to meet the Asuncions in person.  This really helps the work we do on these homes to feel as if we now have a true connection to the homeowners.  Then hearing of the history of the Council, and how those members have recently joined together and are now reaching out to the community even more than before, was heartwarming. We can see that leaders here are providing support in all aspects of recovery, not only in the form of homes but also in spiritual/mental/physical needs.  After a disaster like the fire that affected so many, there are so many forms of trauma, guilt, depression, etc.

Friday night, most of the Volunteers will be leaving – current Project Director, Mitch Kingsley and his wife, Ann; Cindy Sanderson, Office Manager and her husband, Crew Leader Steve (Coalman) Sanderson; along with 13 of the ‘Weekly’ Volunteers (an additional five Volunteers will fly out on Sunday or one day next week.)

I think we all agree, it’s been a privilege to have served here and gotten to know each other while serving; and mostly, being a part of improving conditions for some of the people of Lahaina/Maui!