Before going on to today, I have to tell you about the INCREDIBLE thunder storm last night. It literally shook the whole house. The lightning was so close that we could watch it move from one side of the house to over us to the other side of the house. I had never experienced anything like it, and was extremely pleased to be inside where it was warm and safe. I was totally in awe of the power and might of God, especially in those moments!
Today was fantastic! We went down to Over the Rhine to work at the Freestore Foodbank. We definitely prayed on our way in that God would keep us safe, because we had heard so many scary things about the area that it was a little intimidating. I was definitely a little intimidated because I realized the lack of male presence. Every time I have done any kind of homeless work before, I have always had that "protector" to be eyes for us. But, it was great. God was with us, and reminded me that He can protect us all the time.
When we first got there (15 minutes early even!), they gave us a little tour of the place and explained what the Freestore is. Basically, it is a more dignified food bank. That's how I would describe it. Each person is given a certain weight depending on the size of their family. For one person, it is 25 pounds, for two people, it's 50 pounds, for three people, it's 75 pounds, and for four or more, they are allowed 100 pounds. All of the food is stocked up on the shelves and they are able to go through and pick what they want for their family. The produce is not counted in the total weight, but each family is also given a bag of meat. It seems to be like a wonderful place. Anyways, after our tour, Dana worked at the computer checking people and their groceries out. Monica, Lindsay and I stocked shelves for a while, and then moved on to packing personal care/hygiene bags for women. That was great. After lunch, I worked the computer and the other girls did some other jobs, mostly stocking and making bags, I think. The people who are receiving the food are so incredibly grateful for what they are given. It is so neat to see. But, it's also hard to tell people that they have to take food out of their cart because they have too much in there. That was the hardest part I think.
Once we left the Food Store, we came back home to the Taylor's and just hung out with the kiddos until Jeremy got home. We helped April with supper, and were just able to hang out and relax as a team. After supper, we got to experience Graeter's for the first time. It was delicious. Just very filling. And creamy. Then we went to Costco and bought some supplies for tomorrow night's game night with the youth.
I can't believe that the trip is almost over! It seems like we were just trying to get all of the details worked out, but we are almost done. It's incredible how fast time flies. God has been doing such great work over here.
Please continue to pray as tomorrow we are going back to the Free Store. Pray especially for the people that we will be working with and meeting tomorrow.
Until the Whole World Hears,
Alisa
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