Last year was the first time Mike and I participated in Outreach. Glee and John have participated for "four or five years". Jack and Marylou have been doing the outreach in Algodones since 2005. Before that they did an outreach in San Luis. Some of this year's participates were along for the first time; others have been a part of this special day for many years.
After our initial experience, we decided that we would collect socks and make them available to all who needed. We shared our decision with our home church and the Sunday School children began collecting. What a joy it was to share those socks this year! (Pictures follow)
Each year, rice and beans are given to the women. It is only possible due to the generous monetary contributions of people who attend the services on Sunday morning hear in the park and others who choose to contribute. Women across the states and provinces and those who visit the park sew the quilt tops all year long (60" by 72" if you want to make one). Many others collect toys and stuffed animals to hand out to eager young children in Algodones. (Boy Toys - bats and balls of all kinds are needed if you want to start collecting now.)
Anyway, it takes many hands from locations near and far to accomplish this one Blessed Day called OUTREACH.
Hands from Michigan and Washington and Wisconsin and British Columbia packaged donated pencils and paper and crayons and soap and washcloths, toothbrushes and toothpaste and handmade crosses painted by children in Minnesota and other goodies as well, in handmade bags sewed in Minnesota and other places I have forgotten.
A week later, volunteers gathered at The House in Mexico to package beans and rice. After initial directions to double bag and tie tightly, we began the production line.
While the children played,
two cups of rice was tightly packaged to be distributed at OUTREACH.
Miss R helped Mike open bags - he was also responsible for counting all the bags - 200 of each!
Afterwards, the ladies were entertained by one of the youngest charmers at The House.
Before heading back to Pilot Knob, a quick stop at "Gramma's Place" gave Jack and Marylou the chance to reconnect with Jennifer's mom, a woman they been involved with for many many years.
And then it was the day. Twenty-Six people had made the decision to spend the day in service to God, by helping those in need, on the other side of the fence. The group gathered before 9 am and enjoyed camaraderie in the clubhouse.
A young couple from ML's church in Yuma joined the group - He proved to be a very valuable resource in delivering God's message in Spanish.
It felt llike we had the Blessings of the Lord as His sun shown on us during our initiation and prayer time.
Once we reached The House in Mexico (where everything was stored) the work began for the guys.
And then the Minnesota truck was loaded with quilts and beans and rice.
To keep chaos to a minimum in the children's courtyard, we ladies hung out with Jack.
And then the Washington truck was loaded with bags full of goodies for the children.
Lepita, "the lady from the taco place" filled her truck with clothes donated by those who have visited Pilot Knob in the past year. And lastly, the British Columbia van is filled with toys for the children.
Before we left, many of us had a special treat. This little girl was seriously in need of surgery last year and with donations of many, she got the initial exams needed and her mom was able to be with her at the hospital in Mexicali. A true blessing to see her growing and healthy.
Individuals were given bags of socks and beads and stocking caps to hand to those in need. And with all the preparation done, we were off
It was a caravan of love...
the love of our Father and the love of his servants - all those who contributed and those who were privileged to participate.
And His people came...
and orderly lines of woman and children were formed.
Delia and the children from the house were able to be a part of this year's event.
Many crosses were taken from the bags and worn proudly; on each cross was written "Cristo Me Ama" (Christ loves me). The socks were held tightly - a good gift!
Whole families searched through the piles of donated clothes for just the right sizes to fit their family members.
This is "The Apron Lady", Veronica with three of her four children. She cares for her family, sews her aprons and sells them to those who are waiting in line to cross the border back to the U.S. Some donated material has been given to her in the last couple of years - helps keep more money in her pocket.
This young daddy is one of the vendors who sell jewelry to tourists. Last week, he told me of a new baby and I brought him one of the donated baby afghans the following day. On this day, he was with his son and very very pregnant wife - I misunderstood when he told me "11 days" - I thought the baby was 11 days old - it was due in 11 days... any day now. They, too, looked through the donated clothes ... for baby things. He is giving me a thumbs up - he is a Christian.
A few years back, Orville taught this young man to wink - note he is winking in the picture.
He posed proudly with his new bat and bag of goodies.
I followed him up the hill (old garbage dump)
This is his home.
He lives with his grandma. "Gramma" has had 14 children live here with her at one time or another.
And this is her cookstove... at least this year, there is some wood there to burn.
This is our crew waiting for us to return so we could travel to another part of the city of Algodones.
And we were off to the second stop.
And when we arrived, they were waiting for us. One mom even joined our little parade and she and her children followed us to this stop.
The little ones from The House were so good - just watching what was happening. Throughout the day, they received no gifts and there was no crying or whining, or begging. It was as if these little ones knew they were part of a special mission to help others.
Again, the children and adults lined up and were very respectful.
Again, the children were appreciative of the crosses and held the bags and socks tightly.
Again, the ladies looked for clothes that would fit a family member.
Marylou talked to people and gave her special kind of Jesus Love through hugs and encouragement.
This was one happy young man when he got one of the few soccer balls - I know he will enjoy sharing and playing with his brother and his friends. (Remember him when you see sports equipment at a reasonable price - more balls and bats and gloves are needed for the outreach next year)
Glee and John spent the day talking with the ladies and giving them quilts and rice and beans. Glee spends countless hours sewing in the quilt corner at Pilot Knob - what a joy to see the face of the person who receives the quilt you helped to make.
What joy to see all the faces of those who may have gotten something today they really needed - a kind word, a smile, a gift, food or simply the knowledge that someone cares about them and has not forgotten them.
This little toy car was made by a member of an international group called Toys for God's Kids. Their website tells you how to be a part of the organization. This fellow kept a tight hand on his little gift. His face told me how much it was appreciated.
After a short stop to enjoy a snack and some water, we were off to our final location. This picture shows "our young man" delivering a short message of God's love for all his children. Please notice again the orderly and respectful manner of those we came to serve.
Some were so little, they could barely carry the stuffed animal and their bag of toiletries and drawing and writing supplies.
Not sure about the face on this young lady - Is she imitating the bear's tongue or does she not like the present...
This young man lingered a long while after others were gone - I am not sure what he needed, I hope he received it.
I took a picture of this girl last year and she asked me to take a "photo" this year - she looks pretty spiffy with her new hat and scarf and she proudly wore a purple cross to match.
I don't know the story of this lady, but wish I did. She stood silently with hands folded, as if in prayer, watching as other women selected items from the donated boxes of clothes. This lady defines dignity,
and I love the face of this hard-working woman,
and the boyish charm of this young man.
Soon the children were getting tired,
and it was time for this year's outreach to come to an end.
All of the donated clothes had found a home, 164 quilts with packages of beans and rice had been distributed. Around 300 bags were in the hands of children - As John's group waited to cross the border, they saw two children already coloring in their new notebooks. The same number of stuffed animals and small toys found their way into the hands and homes of kids.
A big thank you to all the people who helped in big ways and small ways - it all is important! Each of you were there with us as we gave gifts and God's love to our southern neighbors. Now it is time to relax for a day... and then begin again to prepare for O U T R E A C H.
Begin now to think about how you can help... Listen when God whispers and respond when He nudges!
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