Selma, AL – Oct. 20-26, 2024

A group of seven volunteers from Goshen Indiana joined us this week. We began our work on Rosemary’s house by helping her clean out belongings damaged by water from the 2023 tornado. Ceilings in each of her rooms, also damaged by water, were torn down. Two large dumpsters were filled.

Several volunteers began hanging drywall on the ceilings. Outside a group scraped the siding in preparation for painting it. By week’s end the outside of the house was painted; four rooms were cleaned out with new dry wall on the ceiling. Two  bedrooms and two bathrooms still need work.

Our volunteers connected deeply with Rosemary. She joined us for supper on Thursday and told us her amazing story.

Friday night’s meal of grilled ribs and chicken was provided by a local contractor who works for the local long term recovery committee when necessary. We were joined by the long term recovery chairman who gave us a report on what they are doing for the community. He said there are still over 200 cases pending and expressed his gratefulness to MDS volunteers.

On Sunday Long Term Volunteers Jeff and Jane Holly learned of the impending death of Jeff’s brother and decided to leave for their home in Canada. Several hours into their trip Jeff’s brother passed away. The Hollys came October 8 and intended to stay until the 31^st. We miss them.

Next week there are no weekly volunteers scheduled. On Wednesday three new LTV will arrive and on Saturday another. On Sunday night a group of volunteers will come from Ephrata PA .

Don Yoder

Office Manager