Volunteering

Last fall, David thought we should find somewhere to serve in some capacity with some local organization. I had no idea what that would entail or where the Lord would lead us but we were open to any ideas. At first I was a little leary but the Lord dealt with me spiritually and I knew that it was something I needed to consider as well. Since we homeschool, this was going to be something that involved me and the children.

We found out about an Emergency Food Pantry that was located in Olive Branch, ironically right down the road from where we attend church. I had seen the sign but not thought much about it. David tried to call them several times but we could never reach any one. I decided to just show up one day and see what would happen. That was the Tuesday before Christmas and one of my biggest mistakes. I walked into a VERY busy building with LOTS of volunteers and patrons. I did not speak to anyone in charge that day but was able to leave the food I was donating and my information. The next week, I received a phone call that they needed volunteers. I was able to help. I have been volunteering ever since.

It turns out they have a freezer section that needed some organization. I can organize any thing or any body else's stuff but can't seem to organize my own life or home. Why is that?

So, I go every Monday to organize their freezer section and get the foods and meats ready to give out on Tuesdays. Some times they have upwards of 30 patrons and sometimes its only 10. You never know. I do know that these people need the food. The pantry gets food from the local food bank or the USDA. Sometimes they have an abundance of food and sometimes the shelves are bare.

This morning, I received a call from the lady that runs the Food Pantry. They were going to have a shipment come in two hours and they needed help unloading and shelving the food. So, we stopped doing "school" and did some chores and we got ready to go. I left the house in a total complete mess. I warned my husband before he got home that the house was a disaster!

We helped with the Food Bank delivery at noon and then with the regularly donated food from Kroger at 2:30 pm. Ms. Sheila received a call while we were putting the Kroger food away saying there was going to be another delivery of food at 3:15. That was a HUGE load of food. We were there until 5 pm. I HAD to leave because Caleb had a soccer game. We were at the food pantry from 11:30 am until 5 pm.

I AM EXHAUSTED! But, I am sooo glad that the Lord has given our family the ability to serve!



His Loving Servant!