About twelve years ago, Jack and Marylou started coming to Pilot Knob RV Resort from Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. They visited Mexico, as we all do when at the park, but they saw the needs that existed and they began to help. They brought clothes for people who needed and blankets and quilts when the weather got cold at night and they got to know some of the people who live in Los Algodones, Mexico. One thing lead to another as they returned to do what they could to offer assistance year after year. For five months out of the year, they lead excursions from the park to Algodones to deliver donations, Jack and Marylou, with the help of others from the park, did a Christmas Outreach in many of the impoverished neighborhoods.
Last year, Mike and I got to know Jack and Marylou. We accompanied them on the Christmas Outreach and were amazed when we realized the need and the impact. Over 300 quilts and afghans were distributed. Nearly 400 book bags were given to children. Rice and beans were given to all who needed these food stuffs. Some toys and stuffed animals were given to the children. And we were hooked. We, too, saw the need and the impact. These are some pictures from the Christmas Outreach last winter.
These are some pictures from the weekly visits made throughout the winter. Wheel chairs for children were given to this family a few years back.
For many years, Marylou wanted to start a home for children. She envisioned a safe place where children could stay long term; a place where they would have clean clothes and regular meals. Last winter that dream came true. A home was rented for $250 a month, a wonderful woman named Dalia became the house mama and the children came. Little did Marylou know that daycare would be a major use for this new "House of Dreams". Here are some pictures.
A gated play area and even a palm tree.
And so it went, children were kept safe and well fed while parents worked hard to get back on their feet.
In early spring, Jack was taken ill and they left very quickly for Canada and health care. When Jack was on the mend, Marylou came down for a week and all was going well at the House of Dreams. And then it was fall, after a summer of recovery Jack was ready to be back at Pilot Knob and they were ready to begin "work". They were greeted with the news that the rented house had been sold.
Jack told Marylou not to worry about finding a place as he had a dream that they would find an even better place in the very near future... and they did. God has worked through these two people for many years and now another need was to be met.
This is how the new place looked one day last week. It needs some paint and tender loving care, but it seems structurally sound and will be a wonderful new House of Dreams.
Slowly all the wonderful "stuff" that has been donated or bought with donated money is being brought to the new place and sorted through.
This was the outdoor clothes washing station - it is huge - must have had lots of kids! Thank heavens Dalia will not have to use this - a washer will be moved over this week.
In the meantime, this little fellow is entertaining Jack and Mike while the clothes from this day dries on the line.
Oh my, that was a lot of background information. I hope you are still with me. In coming weeks and days, I will update this blog with news of what is happening at the House of Dreams, with weekly visits to those in need and the Christmas Outreach.
And I will be giving you opportunities to help. Which brings me to the van - oh my oh my if anyone wants to donate a van... this old 1990 could certainly be replaced - the windows don't work, carb cleaner helped but it still chugs. Brakes are iffy.... and it takes at least half a football field to turn around... Anyway, at the ripe old age of 23, it deserves retirement!
Till next time, listen when God whispers and respond when He nudges.
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