Buckner update:  The first Wednesday of each month is the Living Stones and the Albers Men’s Class day to volunteer at Buckner International.  We sort shoes for Shoes for Orphan Soles. As always, it was a fun day.  We enjoyed being with friends, doing something worthwhile, and then “breaking bread” together at the Circle Grill.  Life is good.

This is Alex the volunteer coordinator at Buckner International.  He makes sure we have shoes to sort.  Alex is a super nice guy!

He did have shoes for us  to sort – three large boxes full.

It is simple – remove any tags and papers, tuck the shoe laces inside the shoes, secure the pair of shoes together with a large rubber band, and add a note inside the shoes.  Easy breezy.  (You could do it.)

This was the guy’s table.  It was exciting that members of other classes joined us this month.  Everyone (and that means you) is invited to join us.  You will be blessed.  Don was helping by writing notes.  We always enclose a note inside each pair of shoes.  Usually the notes are simple and tell of God’s love and our wish that they will enjoy the shoes.

Some of the notes have been written by others.   There are always a few notes that are very special.

Someone named Bailey wrote: “I know for a fact that when you put on these shoes you will glow like a shinning star in the night sky.  God made you for a purpose, so live your life following Hm and knowing that He loves you.  We made sure to put that note into a pair of shoes that sparkled.

For a pair of infant shoes there was this note:  Hi, little one.  For you life has just begun, but God will be with you every step of the way.  His plans for you are so big.  You are His creation.  He loves you with all he is.  With love, Gabrielle  How sweet is that?  

Some notes were funny:  These boots are made for walkin’.  How will that translate?  

Here is another wonderful note:  Spread the word as you walk the world.  Jesus loves you, and I do too.  Have you ever thought that you are walking the world?  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  That really made me think.

Here is one last note:  Pray these shoes make you smile.  You are special.  Jesus loves you.  Your USA friends.  I believe these shoes will make them smile, but more importantly – shoes provide opportunities.  Some children who get shoes will be able to attend school, and the shoes will also protect them from harm and diseases.  It feels good to be a USA friend.  I like that!

This was the November Gang.  We would love for you to join us on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.  We have so much fun.

Blessings to you and yours,

A couple of students from Skyline High School joined us this month..  It was a pleasure working with them.