Merced, CA – March 23-29, 2025

Michele WhiteEagle from Idaho spent two days at the beginning of the week with us.  On Wednesday, Jim and Shirley Holm came up for an evening and numerous volunteers from the California Unit came on Friday to help move all the equipment to the Kingsburg warehouse.   Our head count this week bounced around quite a bit, but the same seven long-term volunteers were here all week.

Our crew leaders installed insulation, drywall, vinyl flooring, siding and did painting at Lua Diaz’s house.  Numerous trips were made to bring all the tools from the Planada warehouse to the tool trailer.  Packing the cargo and bunk trailers and taking down the shower trailer deck for the hard shutdown of the site was another item to check off the list in our process of shutting down the site.

Highlights from this week included having time with Michele WhiteEagle, surprising Jonathon with his favorite birthday dessert and enjoying the generosity of the folks at the Broadway Market who once again, provided Wednesday lunch.  Getting to share a scrumptious salmon meal with Shirley & Jim Holm, and Mike Hofer that Kathy prepared for us was also a highlight.  The beautiful weather, allowing us to carry out our final packing was a big blessing.

Thirty-four jobs were completed during MDS’s time here, including significant work at the Calvery Assembly of God Church where we were based.  We always appreciated when Pastor Jaun would come by and share insight about the local community or join us for a meal on Tuesday evenings.  As we close this site down, we are grateful to once again demonstrate Christ’s love by helping those affected by disasters.