January 11, 2025
Newton TX – RV – Jan. 5-11, 2025
Cold temps (20’s and 30’s), rain, sickness, or a flat tire cannot stop us from getting off to a good start here in Newton! Five volunteers – Duane, Project Director, & Jean from Indiana; Doug from Illinois and Dave & Karen from Alberta returned following the Christmas break. New volunteers -Ed & Ruth, Office Manager, from Kansas; Tom & Lori and Vernon & Mary, all from British Columbia completes our group for January. Everyone had arrived on site by Friday, the 3rd, so we met in the evening for a time of getting acquainted. We met on Saturday evening to play “Swipe”, a card game which Tom & Lori taught us. On the first Sunday together, we attended the United Methodist Church of the Pines and ate lunch at Smitty’s Smokehouse. In the evening, we gathered at the office trailer for orientation, visiting and snacks.
Monday morning two groups of volunteers began their first assignments in 2025. A group of four – Tom, Lori, Doug and Jean worked at the Diggles home, installing flooring, cabinets and doors. On Wednesday, the guys moved to a different worksite and Lori and Jean continued at the Diggles home, painting doors and trim and staining cabinets.
Four of the guys – Duane, Ed, Vernon and Dave worked at the Minnix tiny home. They resealed the front door, mudded drywall and installed corner trim. Plans were drawn up and materials purchased for the front porch and on Wednesday, Doug and Tom joined the group to work on the porch. The weather was not pleasant, but the guys persevered and progress was made.
Thursday evening, we gathered for a potluck dinner despite the almost-constant rain. Everyone enjoyed the weekend break – some of us who weren’t feeling well, stayed inside and escaped the cold, rainy weather. This group likes to play games and eat together – we will create many opportunities to enjoy both of those activities! They also have a desire to see that those we are serving will be quickly returned to their homes – we will meet that challenge with enthusiasm!
Ruth for the Newton TX RV Volunteers
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