Newton, TX (RV) – Mar. 29 – Apr. 4, 2026

This was our final week in southeast Texas at the Newton RV project.  The week started out sunny and warm but ended a bit rainy.  Just in time for all of us to get our RV’s ready for the trip home.

On Monday, Merv and Loretta finished up at Karen’s house.  They cleaned and touched up trim paint and caulk as well as installed door hardware.  On Tuesday, we had Karen’s House Blessing where we were able to present her with a beautiful, quilted wall hanging and a Bible signed by all the MDS volunteers who worked on her home. Karen was especially thankful for the new Bible as she told us that she had asked God for a new Bible just that morning.  Billy and Sandi also presented her with a beautiful ceramic angel donated by their church back in Indiana.  It was a beautiful day. We were pleased that Matt, the Region 3 ROC, was able to travel all the way from his home in Nebraska to join us for Karen’s House Blessing. Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious lunch with him at MVP’s in Jasper.

This week we also finished the few repairs we had at Lois’ house.  Milton and Lorna completed installing the flooring and the bedroom door.  Loretta and Merv installed the quarter-round around the new flooring.  We then said goodbye to Lois as we took a picture on her newly installed ramp that Pete and Billy constructed last week.

It is always bittersweet to leave a project.  We volunteers not only make new friends among ourselves but also create a bond with the homeowners.  That is the perk of serving with Mennonite Disaster Service.  We are all thankful that God gave us the opportunity to be His hands and feet during these past months here in Newton and Kirbyville, Texas.  We pray for the homeowners we helped that our service would continue to give them hope and peace and faith in our Lord, Jesus.

Submitted by Loretta K for the Newton RV Team-Pete, Sandi and Billy, Lorna and Milton, and Merv and Loretta E