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

Greetings and happy new year!

I just had to share my joy. Today a big load of diapers and formula is headed for the babies of Juarez. You can see from the pictures how the collection started (thank you, Toni!) and the massive amounts of what is being sent today to help these people in need. The pictures don’t even begin to do the project justice. We filled Chris’s truck to the brim – twice! It took him two loads to get the supplies to the mission’s storage facility to prepare to load it in the trailer. He told me his wife “laughed hysterically with joy” as he pulled up and proceeded to unload everything. He asked me specifically to thank you all again and again for the incredible work you’ve done.

I’m just stunned when I look over the list and think about the many ways you’ve blessed this project. Some of you have come by with regular drop-offs, some of you have provided consistent prayer support, some of you have given funds to buy formula. Many of you have spread the word like wildfire, asking friend after friend to donate to the cause. And one of you has an entire hospital donating its expired formula to the babies of Juarez. Call me sappy, call me whatever you want – but I believe God will grant us the opportunity in heaven to meet the babies he saves through your generosity and hearts of gold. I will never be able to thank you all enough, but please accept these words as my feeble attempt to try. I am incredibly grateful for your hard work and tender spirits to this cause.

I’d be short-sighted if I didn’t let you know I’m in this for the long haul and will collect diapers and formula as long as God allows. (And I hope then to pass the project down to one of my kids! Picture four shows the youngest Anderson, who faithfully checks the front step and hauls in supplies as they come, but all three of the Anderson kids have a huge heart for the ministry already and cheer with fervor as we watch the stash grow.) If you feel led to continue this pursuit with me I would absolutely love it. If you were simply interested in helping in this awesome kick-off, I have to say a thousand thanks – and just look at what you accomplished.

From the bottom of my overflowing heart, thank you.
Quinn