Perry, FL – SYP – July 20-26, 2025

Our group of SYP volunteers came from Bowmansville Mennonite Church in PA.  Again the group brought energetic workers who helped complete projects that had begun and were waiting to be brought to completion.   

The “big” project of the week was to complete what had been set out for MDS to do at Buster’s house.  At times work was almost at a frantic pace.  Finishing touches of mudding and sanding were done and paint was added to the wall.  Cabinets were hung in the kitchen and plumbing and cleaning were done in the bathroom. The final step with painting the floors and moving out.  Buster was pleased with the job that had been done on his house. Earlier Buster was not very visible with the volunteers, but as the week progressed and he saw the progress being made on his house, he stayed around and interacted more and more with the volunteers.  One day he shared how he had had a grievance with one of his neighbors.  He shared how he needed to forgive—not necessarily to forget.  By forgiving, he no longer allowed his neighbor to live in his head.  One day he talked about his work as a waterman and shared a conch shell with each one who wanted one.  Trust had been built. 

Once again this week several “small” jobs were completed.  A ramp and stairs for a mobile home was constructed to help Ray and Dana move more easily into and out of their home.  The storm caused a lot of damage at their location, and they spend days in a “shed” and sleep in their mobile home which has been condemned.  But they don’t have any other options as FEMA or other resources will not help them make necessary changes in their home.  A ceiling and bathroom were painted at Pat and Willy’s house.   

Ron Bloom and his wife Karen joined us for supper Wednesday evening.  Ron is the Case Manager for Taylor County Strong Long Term Recovery Group.  He shared about finding people who needed help and how money is allocated for survivors.  He has a heart for sharing the “good news” through his work in the community. 

As the project closes, time and effort transitioned to packing up and consolidating items to be shipped to Lititz.  Thank goodness for the trailer that the SYP group brought with them to take the items back to their home in PA.  Soon the long-term volunteers will leave for their homes.  The yearlong volunteers will move to Venice, FL to help finish the work there and close that unit.  Some of the vehicles will stay here as an RV project is projected for fall and/or winter in Perry. 

Farewell for now from Perry–Edith, Herb, Tim, Rita, Bertha, Adam, and Lucinda