West Asheville, NC – Jan. 11- 17, 2026

Sunday night we greeted seven volunteers from the State College, Pa area along with seven young ladies from the Harrisonburg, Va area.  The Bridge MDS had six volunteers from the Harrisonburg, Va area come on a quick notice following the notification that that the Canadian group would not be coming.

Monday, we had several volunteers work at the RSAA building.  Outside motion lights were replaced, interior painting and various odd jobs were completed. The volunteers at the Balsaam house moved furniture, rewired switches, reinsulated and hung drywall.  At the Gay house, windows were installed and house wrapped. Hardie Siding was started along with dry wall installation.  At the Gyska house (a new build), wall plates and LVL installation began.   This house is a cooperative building with MDS and a partner ministry.

It was a challenging week with the cold weather. We saw O* chill factors with the wind. One morning the work crews started late waiting for the temperature to rise slightly. Campers and Bunkhouses were disconnected and winterized.  Volunteers were moved to the hotel.  Friday afternoon, Long-term and weekly volunteers joined the Bridge MDS team for the bridge dedication ceremony.   The homeowners were so grateful for a bridge to connect their isolated homes.

On Saturday several long-term volunteers hiked to Catawba Falls.  May God be praised for a safe week of work!