Delivering His Wealth

Today was our first full day at Hope House. We hit the ground running at 6:30am with coffee and individual devotions followed by a wonderful breakfast prepared by Debbie at 7:30. We were all amazed with the haitian flavors of yougurt: mango, black currant and pineapple. But mostly we were amazed that our early bird of the group, Pastor Keith, showed up last at 7:45!

Our main tasks for the day revolved around sorting and delivering a container full of donations that Debbie received last week. The donations included so many different items; from clothing and medical supplies to desks and an exercise bike. The "HeMen" of the group proceeded to load up the pickup truck (complete with a new tire) with some of the items plus a washing machine and delivered them to "Little Children of Jesus Orphanage". Once there, they hooked up the washing machine for the orphanage for disabled children.

Back at Hope House, the rest of us sorted, counted and rearranged the donations we brought in our extra 11 bags as well as those from the shipment. We were struck by the generousity not only of our congregation but by those around the United States.

Bob, our resident carpenter, scurried around the compund with his electirc drill fixing drawers, doors, and picture frames. His efforts produced instant results!

After lunch, the "HeMen" loaded up the pick up truck again with rock and rubble from the compound and proceeded to go out onto Santo 3 to fill several potholes which had been swallowing visitors. After 3 trips back and forth in the near 100 degree heat, they decided they had done enough for the day.

The rest of the group continued to sort clothes throughout the afternoon. We now have a greater respect for the Goodwill stores and their efforts at organizing donations. We repacked the clothes, now sorted by size and gender into boxes and stored them in the depots. Debbie will distribute them in the near future.

More excitement in late afternoon when yet another HUGE tarantula joined our group. The hair, muscles and all around ickiness of these spiders are amazing. So glad they aren't indigenous to Bettendorf!

We finished our day just as the daily thunderstorm rolled in providing some needed relief from the heat. Dinner, devotions and music practice filled the rest of the evening. We ended our day reflecting on how we as God's people can show more compassion to our neighbors and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do.