Spartanburg, SC – Feb. 1-7, 2026

Our week began driving our FWD trucks and trailers on unplowed, snow packed roads to the three house sites.  We received 6-8 inches of snow on Saturday and the area is quite unprepared for snow of any amount!  We were very grateful that our two groups of volunteers, five from PA and ten from VA, arrived safely to the MDS Camp on Sunday.

Despite unusually cold and muddy conditions, the work on our three new-house builds carried on.  Ms. Carolyn’s house is now insulated, doors and windows are installed, and great progress has been made on outdoor trim, soffit and siding.

Mr. Lindsey’s house roof has been shingled, the HVAC closet drywalled, and porch blocking and a small deck is in process. Doors and windows were installed the final day of the week.

Ms. William’s house “went up” this week.  After finishing the crawlspace and subfloor, exterior walls were built, sheathed, strapped and house-wrapped.  The interior walls were framed up and front porch posts and beam set.

We said farewell to our wonderful cooks, (the “Ellens” Ellen Oberholtzer & Ellen Newswanger), our construction supervisor (Jonathan Short) and project director (Tom Mosier) who have all been here since the first of January.  We welcomed our new Project Director, Doug Goertzen and new Crew Leader, Nate Fisher.

The evenings at camp were filled with laughter, lively games and conversation, singing, putting together puzzles, and sewing.  Our hearts are full at the week’s end, knowing that we have made a difference in the lives of people here, and feeling deeply enriched and blessed by the relationships built and unity of working together as God’s hands and feet.