and hears their stories, he increasingly realizes how patient these fire survivors have been over the long haul. At the same time, MDS has to be patient and flexible when it comes to getting people back home. Building a new home in California is complex: there are more inspection requirements than most other states, the supply chain is moving in fits and starts, and the rugged terrain poses its own set of challenges. “Some volunteers may only be here a week,” said Delp. “Some volunteers may only see the painting done.” Delp knows it’s sometimes hard for MDS volunteers to see the full impact of their work. “But some residents here have been living in a camper for nearly four years,” he said. “When we think the work is moving too slowly, well, maybe they’re better at seeing the end product than we are sometimes.” Another crew leader, Joanne Barta, has made the nine- hour drive from her home in Forest Grove, Oregon, several times to help out in Paradise. She has a sense of empathy for what the fire survivors are feeling. “When we lived in Guam, I lost my home to a hurricane, and it was really hard to go back and live there,” she said. “I was pregnant and had a toddler. For months, I couldn’t do much.” As work is temporarily stalled on one house due to
John Rubiolo lost his house to the Camp Fire. (See his story, p 10)
“Some residents here have been living in a camper for nearly four years.” – LAVERNE DELP, MDS CREW LEADER
issues with inspections and supplies, Lichti is still able to find meaningful work for volunteers by partnering with the Hope Crisis Response Network. MDS volunteers are helping to finish two houses started by volunteers from that California-based organization. Mark Cox, Hope Crisis Response Network logistics coordinator in Paradise, said he was looking forward to working with MDS volunteers in the coming months. “This collaboration is getting people home,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.” — Susan Kim Interested in volunteering in Paradise? Contact us (p. 3). Watch the video “Volunteer with MDS in Paradise, California”: youtube.com/MDSMennonite
Joanne Barta has travelled from Oregon to volunteer
as crew leader several times in Paradise.
9
behind the hammer
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