MDS Work in Lahaina Begins

by Mike McHugh

Sunday evening our group arrived in Lahaina by caravan–we were grateful for the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) leadership team who picked up all 17 us of and our luggage in three vehicles! For the next two weeks, we’ll be staying on the grounds of Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina. It is one of only two churches that survived the fires. A school was operating out of the building that we’re staying and meeting in, but since the fires, MDS has become its guest and uses the former classroom spaces for the leadership team and volunteers. MDS also built a mobile kitchen, shower facilities, and a laundry space to use.

We had a brief orientation to meet the current leadership team and group of long-term volunteers. They include Samantha (project director), her husband Ron (construction supervisor), Marty (crew leader), his wife Audrey (office manager), Dorothy (cook), Riley (assistant cook), and three long-term volunteers–Mary Joyce, Lukas, and Simon. You’ll likely hear more about them as our students get to know and work with them.

Monday morning, bright and early at 6AM, we packed our lunches, had breakfast and devotions, and then were off to our first job site. The first site was a bit unique because the house is complete and occupied. Everyone (including the leadership team) came along for the chance to see a completed project and meet a homeowner. We also needed to install some window blinds, so there was a little bit of work to complete. Isaak had the opportunity to talk with the home owner about fishing and farming in the Midwest. The fact that families own farms and grow produce to sell blew the homeowner’s mind.

The group has since been split up between several work sites, working on homes in various stages of construction. The photos below are of the “Madrigal” house which is two homes combined into one multi-generational home. We have been adding outside sheathing, prepping interior ceilings for drywall by adding blocking, adding straps to prep for soffet and fascia, and much more. Roof plywood will be going on soon as well. There’s certainly no shortage of work for the group to help with!