Greetings everyone!
I couldn’t be more thrilled to let you know that the second* big load of diapers and formula is headed to Juarez today. (*The second of many loads to come! You wouldn’t believe the pile already forming for load number three…) What a beautiful thing! I’ve had this lump in my throat since early this morning as I consider how God is providing for the babies of Juarez through you. It has been a privilege and a joy to work with every one of you. Thank you so much for your heart for this project and your time and energy to get these babies fed and comfortable. It has meant more to me than any words could possibly express. Please take a look at the attached pictures for an idea of what was collected in LESS THAN four weeks. I don’t know how else to say it, but you people rock!
The first shipment arrived safely in Juarez at the beginning of January and within one day had been distributed to the area churches and women’s shelter for distribution. Not only that but in no time at all the formula and diapers were in the hands, in the mouths, and on the bottoms of those who desperately needed the supplies.
This picture of “Katherine” is a glimpse into the help you’ve provided. Katherine is two and a half months old. Her mother is breastfeeding, but can’t produce enough milk to nourish Katherine. The missionary told me there was a noticeable, night-and-day difference in Katherine’s demeanor when she was given formula—as though her body was breathing a sigh of relief and taking every ounce of it in. The missionary has promised to provide more stories and pictures as he has opportunity and this work continues. He has been overwhelmed with the support provided through this project and also wanted to pass along his words of gratitude.
My original intent was to send the following song in my first official note as an attachment. However, I have no doubt that isn’t legal, and I haven’t done the necessary research to find out how to make it legal. So instead you get the words that have so much meaning to me within this project. Many of you probably know the song well, but I have to share the first three verses. (My kids even request the song as we’re making a pick-up somewhere in the area.) It has been our “babies of Juarez theme song” since the very birth of this venture.
“The Blessing” by John Waller
Let it be said of us while we walked among the living
Let it be said of us by the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us that we lived to be a blessing for life
Let it be said of us that we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us by the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us that our legacy is blessing for life
This day, you set life, you set death right before us
This day, every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life
Let it be said of us that our hearts belonged to Jesus
Let it be said of us that we spoke the words of life
Let it be said of us that our heritage is blessing for life
Still from the bottom of my overflowing heart, thank you.
Quinn