When the gang from the Living Stones and Albers Men’s Bible Study Fellowship Classes gathered at Buckner International to sort shoes in May, I realized it had been well over a month since Lanabird had shared about Buckner.
As we stood in front of this poster for the April group picture, it was a reminder of the importance of volunteering at Buckner International’s Shoes for Orphan Souls. “Our volunteers are the most important step to get the shoes to the orphans.” Wow! And we do so little.
As we entered Buckner International, an interactive display greeted us. Many youth groups come to volunteer during spring break and the weekends. These displays attempt to duplicate what life without shoes would be. Imagine walking barefoot on these stones.
It would seem nearly impossible for us to try to walk on this rocky ground.
As you can see, they tried to duplicate the ground in the pictures. The displays made an impression on me.
Not only do we sort shoes by gender and size, but the shoes are also sorted into categories. The poster behind this group picture serves as a guide to all the different categories. (This is the May gang.)
In April we were sorting boots.
Look at these blurry pink boots. I can only imagine how happy a little girl will be when she gets these boots. We enjoy being with Judy. She is so much fun, and a hard worker.
As usual, we write notes to send with each pair of shoes.
Sometimes children will send notes with the shoes they donate. I love this. “God will walk with you.” What a perfect note to put with a pair of shoes.
What a dear sweet child Hannah is. Can you imagine an eight year old giving to others rather than wanting to get gifts? My precious great-niece Aubrey wants to have a birthday party and have her friends bring shoes. We have no idea where Aubrey got the idea for her party. We were all so touched. Click HERE to find out more about the Buckner Birthday Club.
Friends BB and Carolyn got the memo to wear green. Look. They even found a green pair of boots. Little things amuse us.
In May, we sorted flip-flop sandals. All types of shoes can be used, he athletic shoes are the most needed.
Could The Mr. be looking at his watch for a reason? I have to admit that the fellowship over lunch after our morning of volunteering is wonderful fun. Thanks to Foodie Amy (The Mr. and Mrs. daughter) we have discovered blog worthy eating establishments.
Blessings to you and yours,
Matthew 25: 35-40
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’