Red Lake, MN – June 2-8, 2024

It was a joyous week with seventeen young ladies from Wisconsin who contributed their building, singing, and volleyball skills.  We were a full house with a combined 25 weekly and long-term volunteers with us all week.  Our breakfast and supper tables were full!

One team worked at Michelle’s house and the second team at Ruthann’s house.    Progress at both house sites continues.   We were often interrupted by passing showers but on Friday, there was a full day of bright sun, no showers and much progress made on the houses. Siding, trim and painting are close to being finished on both houses; hoping for completion next week.

Highlights of the week included the team frolicking on the Red Lake beach (after a rain-out afternoon), having Tracy Kingbird come join us for our evening meal on Wednesday and telling us about the Nation’s organization, and a long viewing of mama bear and cub at the transfer station.    An employee of the neighboring grocery store received a package for us and delivered it to our door.  He was happy to have a tour of the building, as he had worked in the grocery store before it was converted into the current MDS project housing.

Nearly every evening most of the volunteers found their way to a sand volleyball court at the Red Lake Nation College.  Who knew so much energy would still be available for a few hours of volleyball after a full day working on houses.

We received appreciation from an unlikely source who knows the area quite well   One of the Nation’s policeman chatted with a volunteer and expressed thanks for the work of helping these families who will now have well-repaired walls and windows, 3 years after the 2021 hail and tornado damage.

Thaine Dirks for the Red Lake team.