Selma, AL – May 4-10, 2025

Over the weekend, Project Director Michele WhiteEagle arrived to take on the last two weeks of work in Selma. Larry was able to concentrate on the role of Construction Supervisor as we wind down this site. MDS Selma welcomed a group of students from Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana. Eleven students and two professors arrived in a small GC bus and a van for their two-week service in Selma. The weather was very mild, even chilly at times, and the available MDS merchandise came in handy to provide hoodies and sweatshirts for those not expecting Alabama weather to be so cool. What an inspiration this talented, smart, caring group has been to everyone they have encountered this week!

The kitchen cabinets got their final touches this week at the Moore house. The new-build Reynolds place had the countertop installed and appliances delivered. Some painting and touch up work was done as we near the highly anticipated house dedication next week. At the Tolbert house, drywall work was done – installing, insulating, mudding, and painting. Over 200 hours of labor were accomplished at the King place doing repairs and painting. Painting was also done at the Reese house. Ten windows were replaced at the Fitts house as well as some flooring. It was a busy week with a lot of activity as we try hard to wrap up jobs in Selma.

We had Paul and Julie, sent from Lititz for the week, to capture footage for new promotional and safety videos. They visited each house to photograph, video, and conduct interviews. All are eagerly awaiting the release of the new videos. Another guest from Lititz, Josh Carson, came to interview the yearlong volunteers and offer assistance in the logistics of closing down the Selma site.

On Wednesday night, we had Jay Gilmer come speak to the group. Jay is the chair of Selma’s Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) and has been working since the tornado to do all he can to rebuild his hometown. His story reflected his love of the community and his desire to see Selma not only recover but to thrive. “Professor Gilmer” instructed us in the goals of the LTRG:  1) to advocate for needs and 2) to facilitate resources. Jeff Cothran of United Way and Bud Mitchell of UMCOR also joined us for supper and provided more information on how recovery has proceeded. They all thanked MDS volunteers for our part in the work that has been done in Selma.

We said goodbye to our head cook, Dorothy, who provided us with such good from-scratch cooking this week. Now two of our year-long volunteers, Mary Joyce and Lucinda, will step into the cooking role along with Janice for the final week. College students have big appetites, but the kitchen crew is up for it!

Submitted by Jan for the crew: Michele, Larry, Dorothy, Janice, Katie, Jonathan, Maik, Adam, Mary Joyce, & Lucinda.