I love Sundays

It's not really my Sabbath day any longer but it sure is filled with joy, love, community, challenges, growth, worship, smiling, laughing, eating... this list could go on & on.

This morning I was in charge of doing to food pick up from Trader Joe's all on my own because Jenn & Sean were out of town and couldn't host it at their place. I didn't mind taking on the challenge but whoa was it overwhelming! Especially since I picked up the van from Breakthrough that they graciously let me borrow and headed to Trader Joe's alone not knowing what the day would hold. Didn't have much help lined up to unload & sort, was unable to connect with any families who were in immediate need of food, and just generally had no idea the effort it was going to take to haul it all in, sort it, & host a food share from my living room/kitchen/dining room.
I picked the food up at Trader Joe's where Jimmy from LWA met me to take some back to their place, the Shema house, as well as assisted in loading the van. Also side note that made me smile- Laura the girl who works at TJ's on Sunday mornings and helps us said we are by far the nicest people they have that come to pick up donations. How Sweet! Even though I would like to think everyone picking up $5,000 worth of food for free would be smiling ear to ear and so thankful,gracious etc. The best we can do is try to be that ourselves. After the van was loaded I drove back to the house in Garfield Park, parked in the back, and went knocking on the up & down stairs door to see if I could round up some youth help. They were all still asleep of course since it was 11am in the summer. No school = sleeping till 2pm.

The was van packed completely full, couldn't see out of the back windows.

Eugene helping unpack

There was a lot of food this week because since it had been so ridiculously hot I think a lot of people didn't buy much at the market, at least not 'normal' types of things. Maybe lots of ice cream and popsicles. I know that all I wanted when it felt like 110 outside (&inside our apt.)
There was also 4 bags of flowers! Everyone loved the flowers, what a nice treat. I made two bouquets for our living room :)

The boys loved the flowers too...

We actually ended up having a few helpers from the building, mainly the boys- Eugene & Jonathan from upstairs, then Aries from downstairs helped so much! She is just here for the summer staying w/ her cousin Sierra who is about to have her baby which is why should couldn't help. On bed rest since she is due any day now! Yay, so excited for a new baby!
Once I was able to talk to their moms, Tina upstairs & Minisha downstairs, about the food & physically show them how much there was I think they finally realized why I kept asking them for contacts of people who needed food. It must have seemed unreal before the food arrived & needed a home to go to. Understandable. $5,000 of free food is hard to fathom. They were both so helpful! Minisha let us put most of the meat in her freezer/fridge while we sorted & Tina came down and started calling families & helping them pack boxes once they arrived. I had no trouble explaining to them the concept of a food share. We all work together to sort it & get it to people who need it. Easy.


The ladies working hard to get people over to pick up food. We also were able to pack a box for one of Tina's dear friends, Jessica, who has 5 children & her bf just was shot and killed last night. Such heavy stuff. It was really a blessing to be able to send enough food over there to feed them for a week & of course lots of flowers.

Theresa, Minisha's aunt came over & gave us all hugs! What a sweet heart. Today really was a team effort filled w/ lots of joy.

After the food share wound down and my house was starting to look less like I robbed a grocery store I could relax for a minute before getting ready for the evening since we were having people over. Also while all the food stuff was going on a friend Jerome came by to drop off a house gift/donation! A brand new grill for our backyard!! What a blessing. People have been so generous with us. (Email me if you are interested in hearing our community needs)
I have started a new ministry w/ Jeff & Malissa Winkowski, who are very dear friends of mine, called In The Garden. Its pretty much 'house church' for lack of a better word but basically we are people who desire to grow, be active in accountability, discipleship, & living the way Jesus lived. Tonight was so beautiful as everyone filled in our semi-unpacked living room and were eager to listen, share, & experience community. Jeff & I talked about Isaiah 61 since that was something on our hearts and really were able to rejoice and celebrate in the promises of the Lord.

Beauty from Ashes.
Freedom.

Finding rest for the weary, being freed from oppression, food for the hungry, clothes for the naked.
God is so good and continues to promise to restore that which is broken and bring life from death.

Renewal.

Following the lovely readings, meditations, & communion we were able to share a meal from all the donations & ended with a few songs that friends from Dallas,Tx who were visiting played.

How He Loves.

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

Oh, how he loves us

Such a beautiful evening. Thanks to everyone who shared part of their Sunday with us. Each moment is greatly appreciated.
Of course ending the night with lots of laughter.
Josh w/ 4 bouquets of roses as the beauty pageant winner ;)

Thanks for taking the time to read what we are up to. It means the world to have support & encouragement.
Come visit.
Let's dream together.

Go in peace.