Help a Gram Out!

One of the main reasons for Eleos is getting to know people. Getting involved in their lives. Letting them know there are people who care about them. No matter what stage they are in life. Widow or newly married; young or old. 

Most of you know our hearts, I shared a little in the post A Snow Date that we are ready to take on the whole world, big or small. =) But something we are really praying Eleos will be is a community builder. An avenue where people can come and say, "Hey, where is there a need?" Then eventually, we pray people will begin to see the need themselves and start to just naturally love on people. People they would normally think someone else is taking care of. It can be just reading a book with someone or taking a young mom grocery shopping.

That is the main problem with life outside of the church walls and in small communities, the need is obvious but you don't know how to help or where to even start.  Hopefully, having this avenue people can use their talents and an overflow of God's love and grace to impact a life and show them the Fathers never ending love for His children. No matter how old they are or what they have done. 

The church has a good reputation. EVERYONE asks, "Why are you doing this? Are you a church? Are you with a church?" When we say no, they are always puzzled. 

However, there is a flip side to that reputation. Some of these people feel forgotten about, they are lonely and the only encouragement they get is from the TV Preachers. So, in that way, the church kind of has a bad reputation. A reputation of "If I can't get to the building, I don't belong. " 

However, we have worked in the church. With all the scheduling demands, planning, and mentoring to be done within the church walls; the pastors cannot be the only ones left to care for the community as well. It is all of our jobs, both church staff and members, Christians, and non-Christians; Jews and Buddhists jobs to take care of the people around us. For us Christians, it's because we have no other choice, God's love oozes out of us and we just can't wait to share it with others! For people of other religions and beliefs, it is because we all know it's the right thing to do. There is just a (God given) drive within us to help others.

There are two things we are branching out and starting with Eleos: 

Gram Has a Need! Is a program we are starting where you can get involved with what people need. There have been some needs come up and we've been ready and willing to take care of . But then there are people saying, "Let us know if there is anything you need help with." Well, we can't have everyone over cooking Thursday morning in my long narrow kitchen, that would be chaos. =) And unless you would like to caravan with us to deliver, you really can't do that either. (Although as it grows we are praying God would supply delivery people if needed) BUT as people come with needs and as we have Community Helps like the Free Family Breakfast and Community Share, there are opportunities others can jump in and help, hopefully locally and abroad.

Our first need is: Mrs. Wilma.

I will never forget the first talk I had with Mrs. Wilma on the telephone. She was such a sweetie, talked, talked, talked, talked! Then that week when we came to visit her, she was just the happiest little person in the world! Her granddaughter was there visiting for the afternoon and you could tell, she was full of joy. Mrs. Wilma uses a wheel chair all day and is legally blind but it didn't seem to bother her one bit. 

When I was talking with her on the phone I told her if she needed anything repaired Daniel would love to come take a look at it. She mentioned to me her bathroom scale was broken and she missed it because it would "tell" her her weight audibly since she couldn't see it. So, the first week I went there, she gave me the scale to bring home and have Daniel take a look at it. Well, the wire that connected the battery was broken so I returned it to her the following week with the report that it was broken. Except this week, Wilma wasn't the same Wilma I had met prior. She wasn't the Wilma from the phone. Today she was alone and scared. 

I asked her, "Wilma, what is wrong today? You seem sad." Then she shared with us that she had to go see the doctor because her blood sugar was really high and she hates going to the doctor because she says, "You never know what kind of bad news you're going to come home with." Her eyes filled up with tears and then she started talking about how Big God is and how He always takes care of her. I prayed with her, it was a real blessing for both the kids and I to be able to pray with Mrs. Wilma that day. 

Well, after that I broke the news to her that her scale was broken for good but told her we were going to get her another one. Of course she said, "No, you're not." =) At which I replied, "Oh, Mrs. Wilma, Yes, we are!" She giggled. =) 

So, this is how people can get involved. When we post the picture, Gram Has a Need, we'll have a story of how you can get involved in helping someone. You don't have to help, it makes no difference at all to us. We are trusting God is going to provide no matter what. BUT we also don't want to be a "One Man Band, The Daniel and Kati Show" either. We want to at least show the need to who ever and then if someone feels the calling to help, they can. 

So, here's the official post: 

UPDATE 3/15/2011

That's Right! Mrs. Wilma's need is
taken care of!
A great idea came in this morning by the person who cared for Mrs. Wilma... If you would like to be notified of needs in the future; you can leave a comment telling us, email us, or subscribe to Our Glorious Days. We'll make sure you know!  

Mrs. Wilma has a need! Since she is wheelchair bound and legally blind she needs a special bathroom scale. I don't know why Mrs. Wilma wants to know her weight, I told her, I would be scared to death if something told me my weight each day. BUT I'm not 82 years old and I've never had that ability taken from me by my age/health, so I really can't judge her request =) 

Need Info:

Gram Wilma Needs a Scale! 

Deadline: March 18th

This scale sells for $46.61 on Amazon with free shipping! 

Three Options for helping:

Purchase online, at Amazon and have it shipped to:

PO Box 274
Chelsea, OK 74016
918-789-3408
eleos.outreach@gmail.com


Donate Here: 

We will purchase it and deliver it to Gram Wilma.

Or you can mail check or money order to:

Eleos

PO Box 274
Chelsea, OK 74016
918-789-3408
eleos.outreach@gmail.com

Lastly, if you know of a local place who sells them or can find one at a better price in a local store  or online you only need to commit to helping by the deadline.

When the need is met, we will update the post. We only have one person with a need at this time. 

Don't forget, we are NOT 501-C3, it's not tax deductible. If we purchase the item, the receipt will be mailed to you and you can use it however you'd like for bookkeeping purposes.  We'll also send a follow up on how delivery went. 

This is a little need. Easily taken care of. In the future there might be real big needs,  wheel chair ramps, something big needing repaired, etc. Needs that will take bodies, and funds.  We shall see!

Now that we've talked about how you can get involved, here is a way your whole family can get involved.....

Seriously, that picture is so stinkin' sweet! 

Adopt a Gram! Is a new program we are working on to create a pen-pal relationship with grandparents involved with Eleos. It's in the beginning works, should be up and going within the next two weeks. This week each Gram will get a survey asking about themselves. If they choose to be apart of the Adopt a Gram program then they'll be put up for "adoption" There will be very strict confidentially, no addresses exchanged, no last names, that sort of thing. But this is a way your family can love on someone through the mail. Very similar to Jonnah in Zambia whom we support through World Vision except you are not paying anything, only drawing pictures, mailing birthday cards, etc.  

When you select a Gram we will send you the general information about what they like, hobbies, a little bit about them, etc. and you can begin your pen pal journey. All letters will be sent through our PO Box that way no Grams are in danger of their information getting out there. You can send family pictures, little care packages of their favorite things, anything at all! Then they will be sending letters back to you, through us. They won't have to pay any shipping at all. We'll cover the cost. 

Ooie, Ooie! I'm so excited!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at:

eleos.outreach@gmail.com

If you'd like to get involved with a need, contact via email, phone or mail.

Eleos

PO Box 274
Chelsea, OK 74016
918-789-3408
eleos.outreach@gmail.com

(Don't forget, you can do it all too!)

Loves,

Love Starts at Home

When we first started Eleos Thursday Meals, we intended to deliver the meals and then come home for lunch afterward to celebrate. However, as each week slips by... that never seems to happen. For all sorts of reasons, I'm sure. But mainly because, as the list grows each week, there just isn't enough food left over, it is always gone and by the time we return home, the kids are really hungry and I have to put together another meal for us.

So, I decided this week... just like giving God the first fruits of our labor; I'm going to start giving my family the first fruits of my Thursday labor. Which, of course, took more planning, and more organization on my part. I had to be SURE there was enough food for 17 people plus our four little ones and my man at work ; ) 

Delivering from 11:30-1:00 and home around 1:30-2:00 they were just too hungry by the end. This week was so wonderful, it's like they felt special after their bellies were full and they were ready to make others feel special. (Honestly, I think they just think it's super cool to eat out of take out containers. They probably think the cute little old people love it just as much as them. ; )

kiddo's lunch portion =)

 

It really worked just perfect because I was able to set them at the table at 10:45 and load the van while they ate lunch. Then we were out the door right on time with peace still in tact. That is something Daniel and I have always been very sensitive to... loving at home. What good is it if you're headed out to love on the community but you're yelling and screaming your way out the door?

Love starts at home, when our little ones see the peace and joy serving others can bring, we can only pray the seeds we are planting will grow big and strong because we aren't undoing our work by being ugly at home but loving towards everyone else. 

But when those days don't happen, thank God for his wonderful Grace that protects their little seeds, because beleive me, there.are.those.days.

This week we served beef noodles, mash potatoes, green beans and fresh bread.  (Think Oklahoma here, folks) Then for dessert we had fresh fruit or fudge brownies. Next week we're having a choice between two deli sandwiches; chicken salad or ham and cheese. So, Alli compiled a list of all the names and then she or Jordan would ask everyone what they would prefer next week. They're such a help.

My girls take turns being my "co-pilot" on Thursday afternoons. Don't forget, we live in a very small town with no fast traffic. Not to mention my passenger seat airbag automatically goes off when something  under a certain weight limit sits there, which both of my girls fall into that category. Do you have a child who sits in the front seat? Let me tell you, I LOVE  IT. It is so fun having someone to chat with in the front seat!

In other news, I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed we have been as of late with all we are doing. God has been opening lots of great doors for us to love on the precious people of our community! I just can't wait to tell you some of the great ways he has provided! 

One thing that has been constant, since day one, is the local newspaper. They have been so very generous to talk about our upcoming community helps each week and they never charge us. This is a copy of this weeks advertisement for the free breakfast on April 16th. 

Then, of course, there is the local Civic center who is donating their building for the April 16th breakfast and again May 7th for the Free Community Share; that was so generous of them.

Speaking of the Free Community Breakfast, the local Harps Grocery Store is going to donate the paper products for that event. The manager there was very kind to me when I asked if he'd like to donate those items. 

We had a local family donate a HUGE cured ham! I already have the menu's out for the next several weeks but can't wait until the next menu. That ham is going to feel so many precious people.  

Yes, the list goes on and on... God is so BIG....

Then, as you can imagine, as the list grows each week you can start to think..." hmmmm,  what are you doing here, God?" This week, it's already at 22 people then we have the community breakfast coming up... So I started praying, "OK, Father... how are you going to feed all of these people... "

Well, don't you know, that very day, someone called and offered me a job of cleaning their church building once a week. It's like a little job! That provides $200 per month towards helping. Well, to be honest, I'd really like to get the children enrolled in gymnastics again so 1/2 of that will probably go towards that, if we can. But either way... I couldn't beleive it!

Yep, that's not all. Then someone from the community called and told us they were going to lower a bill of ours by $70 EACH MONTH so we can put it towards what we are doing. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!? That is a guaranteed $70 each month to help with costs. Which is such a great help as the list grows!

Do you know what though? The very best thing in the world is getting to know each and every person more and more each week. It is so cute when they call, I just love it.

It's so strange, friends. You know, my heart misses a house full of teenagers. I would have never ever thought God would have me delivering meals to elderly people but you know what, it is so beautiful. 

All of it is. 

It can be a new little baby, straight from the Fathers hands searching for a home to love them, it can be a scared toddler or cranky teen. It can be a stubborn lady in her 40's, it can be a little old person sitting in her wheel chair. They are all so very precious to the Father. 

Just think, someone like Mrs. Wilma just sits in her home, alone, hoping for the phone to ring or someone to knock on the door; day in, day out. Nothing but memories to fill her mind. 

To be a part of something that brings just a glimpse of Jesus to someones day, what and honor. 

Then Mrs. Wilma says, "I just thank God he sent you to me." and I think... 

...so am I.

Loves,

Related Posts:

A Sunday Morn

Help a Gram Out! 

It All Starts With the Fruit... Eleos Week 2

So, There's This Little Thing We're Doing

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Update on Adopt a Gram

Our cutie pie little Grams have filled out their questionnaires and I collected them all yesterday! We are busy little bees getting them into "Gram Packs" so all you fantastic people can select a Gram.

Would you believe... we have ALL OF OUR GRAMS are accounted for?! That means each Gram has a family-- makes my little heart go pitter pat. {don't get scared, if i have talked with you about having a gram in any way-- you are included in that count} We'll have the packs ready soon!

Thank you! 

On a totally side note-- Our Ting (Angus) Skyped with us last night. His night is our morning, which we hate so much. When we rise, he is going to bed. When his day begins, we are tired. However, with that aside-- He shared breakfast and Gods Word with us yesterday before he left for school.

Really? Has he really caught it? That crazy love for that great big God? The only God? The creator of Heaven and Earth? That God?

I think so.

Praise, Glory, and Honor.

That God... he is so big.

Hey Ting, 


When we delivered lunch to Mrs. Nancy yesterday, she wanted us to tell you, "Hello" she'd also like you to mail her a letter. Remember her? I snapped a picture of her steps for you. The steps you stood on to deliver food and sing Christmas carols.  Ting, pray for her. 


We love you.

Thanks everyone,



Related Posts:
Help a Gram Out!
If Something Is Hurting You Might Be Doing Something Right
So, you want to travel the world? psssst, all you have to do is say, "Why not?"

If Something Is Hurting You Might Just Be Doing Something Right.

What does Eleos look like these days, that is the most common question. 

Well, I feel our home is now adjusted to having five children, one a teenager. The one and only shower gets a work out, that's for sure ; )

Eleos is still a jewel, so precious. 

We're well over thirty now and I stand in awe each week of how big God is because I just don't know how we do it. I've started praying, seriously for a big van for deliveries, food purchases; trips to the store. Also praying for a second oven. Hey, you never know! =)

Each week, some steps are hard to take. A long walk to the door, sometimes swallows me in sadness.

It always starts with the neighbors, Mrs. Jewel and Mrs Barbara. They are usually in good spirits, both in their eighties. Mrs. Jewel is a little thing, loves to talk about her kids who never come to visit. Mrs. Barbara always has such funny hair, the kids always like to see what it looks like this week.  Sometimes she's having a panic attack, nothing a little prayer doesn't help. I've only known it to get serious once, which put her in the hospital for a week.

Next it's on to Mrs. Wanda, Mrs. Ruth, Mrs. Angie, and Mrs. Wilma. Mrs. Wanda is a quiet one, keeping mostly to herself. Mrs. Ruth was our first, she has been in and out of the hospital, some nights she feels sick and I take her dinner. I will be honest, I wonder each time I knock... will she answer. 

Mrs. Angie is such a hoot, she is almost completely deaf. The kids LOVE it when I call her on Thursday mornings. I yell at her, "HI MRS. ANGIE, IT'S KATI WITH THURSDAY MEALS; I'M BRINGING YOU LUNCH TODAY!" she always says, "OH"... "OH, YEAH" ... "OK" We always chat for a bit while the children walk down the sidewalk to Gram Wilma's. Angie talks a lot about her kids and often about how terrible it was losing her husband.

Then of course, it's on to Gram Wilma's house. She has a special place in our hearts. You will see her when you drive up, sitting behind her glass door waiting for a shadow to walk up the way. She is almost totally blind. When the children take her drawings, she always holds them upside down, trying to make out what they are. She always says, "Oh it's beautiful" =) She hugs tight and waves goodbye through the glass door, watching the shadow drive away.

We stop next at Mrs. Mildred's home, she just celebrated her 90th birthday, the balloon we took her still  hovers over her old broken living room furniture, walls telling stories of once upon a time. "My kids never visit me anymore", she says, "they're all too busy now." "All I have are these pictures to keep me company now."

Mr. Walter is just around the bend, he's new. One of our younger ones, just past 60. His body is broken and trying to raise two teen girls.

Mr. Clifford and Mrs. Wanda are next on the stop, along with their friends who are always there for lunch. Mr. Clifford is such a hoot, 90 years old; he gives the kids a hard time ; ) Mrs. Wanda is ever loving, always sweet. Sometimes they send us out the door with popcorn or even an ice cream bar. Jordan always wears a pretty dress for Mr. Clifford ; ) We take four meals here, so they can eat together with friends.  

It's a drive back into town as we visit Mrs. Juanita, Mrs. Nell, her caregiver, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Virginia. All sweet ladies only two or three blocks from each other, neither one knowing the other. I can't really explain the sweet simple joy I have when we walk into these sweet ladies homes and see pictures of our family or pictures the kids have drawn tacked to their walls.

They think of us too. 

Driving across town now to our perfect mid-way stop, Mr. Norman and Mrs. Joan.  Lovely is the word we use to describe Mrs. Joan, sitting always in her chair looking out at the beautiful birds and trees; working her crossword puzzles. Stricken by stroke, she has no other choice. Ornery is the word we use to describe Mr. Norman, always making us smile. Absolutely crazy about them, is the phrase we use to explain the way we feel about those two.

We stop next at Mrs. Mary's home. I have never met Mary, only her caregivers and her son. Her son does many things for the community and called me because he thought it would be a nice change of pace, someone else cooking on Thursdays. Mrs. Mary has Alzheimer's.


From there it's on to Mrs. Doris and Mr. James' house. Mrs. Doris' son just had his leg amputated, so I take a meal for him as well.  I've never met Mr. James, only talked with him on the phone. He never goes outside and when Mrs. Doris is leaving, I can't deliver lunch, because can't get to the door. He is always a joy to talk to on the phone and Mrs. Doris and I exchange conversation out on the porch, it's always nice.


We drive next, around the corner to our Granny Wilson's home. Always sitting at her table reading her bible, we tap on the window. She greets us with  a hug and we usually talk about the birds and plan our Saturday breakfast together.

From that Grandma, it's on to another, my mom. Not always such a great encouragement and probably one of my biggest complainers, (yes there are complainers) I just get to love on her this day, it always takes a little extra Jesus ; )

From there, it's around the corner and up the road to Mr. Bill. Sitting in his wheel chair opening the door as we walk up the way, he always gives a smooch on the cheek. He is another, always talking about his wife and children. His wife passed thirteen years ago, he always shows me the picture. One of his sons died right before, he always talks about how he could have done things different.

There is a break in time as we drive the country roads to the next homes, four people total. Dodging pot holes, and racing against the time, it's starting to get late in the lunch hour. We stop and visit Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Connie, always sweets involved. ; ) Then it's a stretch over to our last two, Mrs. Carol and her husband. He makes things, like guns and knives, and loves to show and tell. They have been so very sweet to donate a bug collection and lots of old magazines to our little homeschool = ) 

Oh, there are some not mentioned and some no longer on our route. As we drive by, we are sad; they've died or moved to a care home. Just two weeks ago, I sat next to a dying woman, unable to eat or drink, prayed with her, tried to share with her a glimmer of hope. She passed two days later. Then there are the ones, who surprise us. They seem fine and then all of a sudden, they're gone either passed or to a care home.

I walk up most stairs with a heavy heart. As the list grows my heart gets heavier, wishing there was more time. Wishing I could do more for each one, spend more time, help more. It's like almost everything in my life, God keeps reminding me... you're doing enough, for now.

It's hard mentally sometimes, as it should be. When it gets that way, I remember something Daniel told me one day almost two years ago when I was, what felt like, completely broken...

"Investment sometimes hurts, that is why people don't do it. You will lose someone, or be hurt by someone, sometime. It is easier to keep everything on the surface. When you love someone, you are vulnerable to anything." 

That is something I think of often as people are sick, lonely and wanting to talk just a bit longer; or even dying. When it hurts just a little, I remind myself it's because we're taking the time to care.

I say this not to pat myself on the back, my any means but to encourage you:

If something is hurting... you might just be doing something right. 

Loves,

Related Posts:
A Snow Date
Eleos Update
Love Starts at Home
Making Sweet Love on a Bad Day

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I Have This Friend Who Loves Orphans and I'm going to help YOU help Her...

 

Isn't this is GREAT?! We Christians, we all love orphans! Right? I mean, after all, That is what makes us Christ followers, our love. And since Jesus talks specifically about those precious orphans and widows, I thought, oh... perfect! We can't all go, but we can all help! 

You see, this friend of mine, Christy, she has a little special place in my heart because I can see her heart is so big. =) We know Gram Wilma loves Christy's big heart... not to mention her new scale Christy bought her when she needed one so badly. 

Well, Christy is going on a mission trip to Uganda. Her second one in two years, yeah she's a little crazy in love with those orphans and she's working real hard to get there. 

 

She's pretty busy these days planning and organizing a big benifit dinner for Project Hope Worldwide called Kwero 2012 but in between that, homeschooling her girls, helping those little girls with their own mission work, Girly Me Missions , heading up a big homeschool co-op, being a very active support in her church, and just being a wife,  mom, and friend, she is also doing some pretty crafty stuff to earn her way back. 

While in Uganda last year, she took some fantastic photos of people close to her heart and shared some of their stories here; so did her husband when he went after her. She just can't wait to get back there to help so she is sharing some of that great Uganda story art with people like us ; ) 

check out this great work and then read further down, friends... I have a deal for you! 

"Sunflowers in Uganda"
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

Saving Tracy
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

"School Girls Living at Calo Me Lare"
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

"Friends"
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

"Walking to Market"
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

"Happiness Is"
8" x 10" - $30
11" x 14" - $34
12" x 16" - $36

Did I mention she is oh so crafty? Yes, I am buying this: (she can customize it to your style)

Magnetic & Cork Menu Board - suggested donation price: $40

"Happy Spring" Banner
$40
Wood backing
Black piece is a chalkboard
Chalk Marker - additional $2.50

Here's the deal... I'm cheap. Super cheap. Like I don't own a pair of black shoes, not.a.single.one because my last pair developed a hole in the sole and I am too cheap to buy new ones.

There are better things to spend my precious dollars on than another pair of shoes, like lonely widows and hurting orphans.   

Oh, don't get me wrong. With all this beautiful weather, I broke down and spent $1 on a pair of flip flops at the Dollar General last week. Yes, they already hurt my feet but they get the job done on a warm spring day =) And i am one for some soda in a refill cup at our local convenient store, oh man I'm a sucker for that...

But this is something I know... we are called to give and on our budget, it's shoes or people and I can't do both. 

But let's face it, it's real cool when you give and get cutsie little pictures and artsy-craftie (yes that is a word, i just made it up) stuff in return; not to mention you are making that sweet Jesus smile big, friends.

Oh, but wait! I want to make you smile too! For each you crazy blog readers who buy from Christy I am going to pay 10% of your total cost. And for you out of town people in the lands of MO, TN, TX, IL, MI (Bethany, i had to look that abbreviation up)  and whoever else I missed... I am going to ship your stuff to you for free. No, you don't get 10% off too, what do you think? I'm made of money?! HA! (Daniel don't kill me, I love you, you giver, you) I may have to hold on to your stuff for a week or two before I can ship it but shipped it will be! FOR FREE! BUT, you have to pay Christy when she finishes the work, she's trying to go to AFRICA here! =) 

Oh.my.goodness.this.is.too.much.fun 

and my fingers are on fire, I am typing so fast! 

Post this on your Facebook, email it, tell all your friends! Let's make this lady crazy busy! And yes, do it... or I'm going to feel like a total loser!  Hey, Mother's Day is coming! 

My goodness, if I don't stop now, I'm going to give away a kidney.

Don't eat out today, send her to Africa.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" James 1.27NLT

Bounding with crazy LOVE,




Just Christy's Life
Christy in Uganda

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