It was a lovely day on the ranch today. The morning weather was ideal – plenty warm for the doors being open but not too warm to be sweaty. The cloud cover was very welcome. Then the sun came out later in the afternoon to put a nice end on the day. The operation was very smooth all around, with deliveries coming early and quickly – all in by noon, which is rare. Families came early, with 75% through in the first hour, which is also rare.

Groceries today were provided by Bellevue Presbyterian, Highland Covenant, Bellevue Christian Reformed, and St. Louise churches, as well as the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 161 orders came in and all went out to families today. Thanks to all who participated!

The market was full today and had a few new items. Someone donated 100 pounds of cornflour, which is used for making corn tortillas. We separated it into ziplock bags and had it available today. It was very popular, especially for those who make tortillas. Fresh greens came from a local community garden: lettuce, chard, kale, herbs, radishes. We had these also portioned into zip locks and were very popular. Someone donated a large box of children’s books of all types. These were displayed along with one long table and a huge hit with parents. The market is a wonderful part of this program and having a variety of items makes it even more special. Thank you to everyone who donated extra items for the market.

Today was the last day for personal hygiene items. We continued to offer toothbrushes for everyone in the family. It looks like just over 2000 toothbrushes went out this week. We still have another 1500, so we will offer them again next week. It is really great to offer these important items. Additionally, sunscreen was offered to all the families and equally popular. This is a very valuable part of this program. Thank you to everyone who stocked the pantry this week. You’re making a huge difference.

Tomorrow, families will be offered bulk food ingredients: rice, pinto beans, sugar, salt, and flour, along with butter & cooking oil. A below picture of the staging area. It is a lot! Thank you to everyone who donated these items to make this possible.

A personal story from Ken:

On June 6, I told a story of a woman in line, whose husband had a seizure related to a past brain tumor. (https://www.jubileereach.org/blog/2020/6/6/groceries-for-families-week-11-day-6) Then on June 19, I wrote that she had not returned since, and we were worried about their family. As I walked along the line of waiting for families about 12:45pm, I saw her for the first time and immediately went to her. Asking about her husband, she was almost drawn to tears. She said she has been unable to come for groceries since June 6 because she has been caring for him. Today they had their first doctor’s appointment, which diagnosed the tumor has returned. Tomorrow, he will begin radiation and will have 18 total treatments. He is 45 years old. I asked how she was doing, and she simply said she has to be strong for her husband and 15-year-old daughter. She is clearly under stress and holding up the family right now. I told her we had missed seeing her and how delighted we are that she is back, which brought a nice smile. I told her I had been praying for her family, which she said was the most important thing. Knowing she hadn’t been to Jubilee in 2 ½ weeks, we quickly filled 2 bags of every hygiene and cleaning item we have. She took this to her car, while I held her place in line. Asking if they have enough food, she said yes. She said the doctors want him to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. We quickly filled a bag with apples, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, and every sort of fresh produce we could find, including fresh snap peas from the garden. My heart rejoices at reconnecting with her & their family, and yet is hurting for what they are going through. That is really life, which happens with or without Covid-19. We have offered to deliver groceries to their home starting immediately, which will save her the trip to Jubilee. They live close to Lake Hills. Please pray for them.

This program and all the love which goes into it from all of you continue to care for this community in many, many ways. There are lots of things we see and know. But, for sure, there are so many things which cannot be known but are equally important. It matters. Thank you for all you’re doing to sustain this.

It is such a lovely evening as this entry wraps up.
Hopefully, you are able to enjoy it, wherever you are.

Blessings to you all,

Ken Carpenter
Service Coordinator, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families: Week 14 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 14 - Day 4

Groceries for Families: Week 14 - Day 2