Work took place at two different homes this week. Bob and Jim worked at completing Ms Loraine's bathroom. Tasks included framework and drywall work around the tub/shower, placing the vanity, hooking up the drain and water supply for all the fixtures, and the installation of the flooring and finishing off the trim work. The push was on so it would be completed for the house blessing Wednesday afternoon. This blessing was attended by the homeowner and the MDS crew making it a personal event. She was presented with a Bible, the Hammer Rings Hope book and hugs. We saw the transformation in her during the past months rebuilding, where she has now taken the initiative to reorganize and decorate her home.
Annette worked with Cheryl and Dorothy at Ms Willie's home. They all learnt new tasks like putting up strapping and other framework for a new dropped ceiling with the coaching of director Bert and co-worker Alf. Later in the week they were predrilling and pounding in nails for some of the new wall studding for the bathroom and walk-in closet. We came home dead tired but with a satisfied feeling that we had helped in the rebuilding.
As you can tell from the photos Bert and Alf had some major reconstruction to do on the floor and a wall section that was totally rotten. A home like this back home would have been demolished, but the best option for helping Ms Willie was to rebuild what she had. The Amish boys had earlier reconstructed and sheeted her roof.
Last winter when the Recovery case worker visited Ms Willie they realized how cold her house was. So new windows "Winders" like Ms Willie calls them and insulation in her walls and ceiling is a priority even though the whole reno budget is only $9000 for materials.
Our MDS team worked a short two weeks for Ms Willie and we are always amazed at how soon our clients become attached to us and are sad to see us leave. Our group did not finish the renovation but we are so happy that the other MDS team led by Jake and Verna will continue and complete it.
Wednesday evening both the MDS groups were treated to a supper of lasagna, salad and dessert by a local Methodist church.
We are finished our term of service and are headed home over the next few days. Thanks for following our blog. It will likely be awhile before we blog again.
