Taco Party

This last Friday was our last distribution until we return from our trip to Arkansas. We were expecting another day of a meager donation for the colonias (although we did have 6 boxes of clothing) so we found extra on Thursday evening from another supplier. We arrived at the pick-up point early Friday morning ready to load quickly and be on our way. What a surprise we received. For some reason there was an over abundant amount of produce and other items. We did already have some beans/ lentils mix in anticipation of a low food supply and wound up with an almost overload on the trailer. We thanked God for this wonderful blessing of so much bounty. Green beans, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, lichees, cucumbers, onions, tortillas, bread, and  papaya just to name some of the things we received - as well as two large bags of donuts. All of the ladies were so excited to see what we had brought and immediately began unloading and separating everything, ready to fill baskets. After they had filled a few of them, they announced that we were going to have a small brunch as sort of a going away party for us. Homemade tortillas, beans, chorizo cooked with onions and spices, hot sauce, a fruit salad and a bundt cake. The tortillas were homemade by Esther, as was the rest of the brunch except for the cake. As an appreciation they presented us with a $25 McDonald's gift card ( we usually order the breakfast burritos as we travel). We were so grateful to therm as it took a bit of sacrifice for them to collect the change to purchase the card for us. There was enough food left from brunch so that those who came to pick up the produce also shared with us. We worked for a while preparing the baskets (me doing my regular donut packaging) and were all dripping with sweat when we got done. The girls never complain - taking time to wipe their faces and keep filling baskets until they were done.  The temp by that evening as 103 at 5 PM. We will miss them as we are gone, but really can't wait to beat this heat and humidity for the coolness of NW Arkansas.

Very quiet in the park right now - some summer folks gone for a vacation - there are only 2 workers right now and one will be going on vacation in August. Fred and Pablo still have to finish building the fence on the West side of the park - they are totally removing the old fence and rebuilding it. Mary is weed eating, and Lester is mowing since Fred retired from that. A person does not see anyone outside except for a short time to do a few chores as the heat is intense.

                                                                                                                                                                                           

Does this picture depict your fervent prayers to God? Have you ever literally got down on your knees to beg God for forgiveness, or for a blessing, or even to free you from your current situation? We know that God forgives - all we need to do is ask Him and repent. But what about the other prayers that we send up to Him sometimes - prayers for healing, freedom from addiction, or even asking for material things? Do you wonder why God doesn't answer you prayers sometimes? But then again, do you remember to thank Him for answered prayers? Our prayer are sometime not answered the way we want them to be. God does answer answer prayer, but not always an answer we want to hear. Some people feel that if they say the right words, they will get what they want. Prayer is not like rubbing a magic lamp and poof - your prayers are answered. Prayer is an intimate relationship with God. We need to pray and then be quiet and listen. Jesus prayed continuously - when He was walking along the road, or in the temple, or in the quietness of the evening. Prayer is a practice of being consistent - praying aways and not just when we are in trouble. Effective prayer is consistent prayer. It is not about what we get from God, but what we receive from God. God answers prayer in 4 ways: yes, no, maybe and"are you kidding?". We have to wait upon the Lord - be still and listen. It is all in his perfect timing and not ours. Prayer sometime changes things. It is not God who changes things, but us who change. Prayer does not give us what we want, but allows us to want what we need. Prayer is designed by God to change us.There are so many opportunities to pray - as you are waiting in line at a store or a red light, as you are cooking or doing dishes, and even as you go about your daily routine. Pray always.

Please keep all the folks in the path of hurricane Barry in prayer as they deal with flooding and devastation. Pray for your neighbors to keep them safe from the heat and storms of life.