In April, volunteers with the Littlbug Humanitarian Aid Project (LHAP) travelled from Bemidji, MN to Rockport, TX to team up with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and provide disaster recovery assistance to victims of Hurricane Harvey.  The MDS team included volunteers from Arkansas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Manitoba.

It was a rapid change in seasons for us as we travelled through winter storms in Minnesota and Iowa and then were cleaning bugs off the windshield by the time we reached Texas.

During our time with MDS, we learned about their operations as we worked to restore several homes devastated by Hurricane Harvey.  We continued the work started by earlier teams doing such tasks as installing doors, trim and hardware, repairing plumbing and electrical systems, mudding and sanding sheetrock...

...and lots of painting!

We had the opportunity to finish up the work on one house and participate in the dedication ceremony as the family who lost their home received the keys to their new home.  They had been living in a very small dwelling with five children and six dogs. What joy they shared with us!

Consider the importance of having a home disaster kit and a plan for your family.  With a Littlbug Stove, you get safe drinking water, hot food and the additional benefits discussed in this disaster preparedness post.  

When you buy a Littlbug Stove, you get more than a great stove.  Your purchase helps us support MDS disaster recovery work with volunteer and financial assistance.  Thank you!