This update comes long overdue. So long overdue that I feel I should explain. During this very difficult year for me personally, I found it necessary to back burner many dear-to-my-heart things. I’m happy to report that a most welcome corner has finally been turned, and I can now put my renewed energy into something I love to do—send you this update and say thank you!
You can tell from the subject line that the babies haven’t been at all neglected. Thanks be to God! Many have been so faithful to keep giving despite my lack of expressed gratitude. Loads of supplies have been delivered to Juarez by friends in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Colorado. We’ve had churches like Christ’s Greenfield step up and take a massive collection—of both supplies and cash. Very special MOPS groups from Cherry Hills Community Church and FBC Frisco (in Texas!) stepped up in a mighty way to bless moms in Juarez. A generous young man named Chase asked for supplies last Christmas. (Can you even imagine?) Discovery Bible in Oklahoma has been collecting and taking supplies with them on their house-building trips. BAE Systems in Phoenix took up a huge collection that we got to take down earlier this year. Every single collection represents individuals who have given their time and sacrificed resources to give some babies in Mexico a future and to help carry the burden of some in-need families. I just cannot thank you enough.
The large groups represent only a portion of the supplies given. Many of you give as individuals—of your time to get the supplies to me and also of your resources. Almost every time someone hands me a single can of formula or an opened bag of diapers, they tell me it isn’t much and wish it were more. All of you dear ones, please take a close look at the pictures below to see what a bunch of people’s “not much” looks like when combined. Basically, you rock.
Two more quick things before I share pictures.
· One sustaining reason we’ve successfully met the needs of the babies in Juarez this past year: monthly gifts. A few of you generous people donate money every single month to BOJ. And I love to spend and stretch these funds. I regularly shop clearance formula and use coupons sent to me. We put every penny to great use, I promise you. And, one other noteworthy thing—every single dollar given goes to buy diapers and formula. Any admin costs of the ministry are covered by someone else. If a person gives $50 a month for supplies, $50 is spent on supplies. So if you’re looking for an opportunity to regularly make a difference in a child’s life, please consider us. You can send a check to Babies of Juarez at 2487 S Gilbert Road, Suite 106-266, Gilbert AZ 85295 or give online. It makes a huge difference.
· My oldest daughter and I had the coolest opportunity to make a special trip down in June to be part of the distribution of supplies. We took lots of pictures, but the story deserves a separate post, so you’ll have to wait to see all the darling faces. For now, just know that the beneficiaries of your continued support and generosity are some very precious babies and very grateful mamas.
I can’t do your giving justice with my words alone…so here are some pictures.
You’re all very near and dear to my heart. Thank you for sticking with me and continuing this work of feeding hungry babies.
Quinn
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller