Matching Socks at Buckner

Posted on: Jan 10, 2013        In: Life and Love        With: No comments

Buckner International is in the business of sharing shoes, socks, and other supplies to those in need.

When we first arrived at the Humanitarian Aid Center, Steve (on the right) greeted us.  While helping us check-in, he could not help but share information about his resent trip to Peru.  We knew one or more of the workers at the center had taken supplies to Peru during December, but we did not know much more.  Back in the fall our group had sorted school supplies, clothing, and gifts for children in Peru.  Steve told us that the watches were the biggest hit of everything that was in the backpacks.   The children could not believe that they actually had a watch.  Steve was beaming from ear to ear as he told the stories.  “We received more blessings from the trip than the students,”  Steve said.  And I believed him.  Just knowing we had a part in this trip is a blessing to us.  (Robert and Steve)

One Sunday Pastor Ellis told a story of a child.  It was of a child with no shoes or socks.  A group of Christians were giving each child a pair of shoes and some socks.  When the child received his shoes, he began asking incessantly, “Am I going to get some socks too?”  To have shoes is a good thing, but to have both shoes and socks is a wonderful thing.  Pastor Ellis has a photo of his grandfather when he was in elementary school.  A small section of the class picture has been cut out.  Why?  His grandfather was not wearing shoes, and he was embarrassed, so he cut his feet out of the picture.  Breaks my heart.  How incredibly important are shoes and socks.
For the first time, we sorted socks.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  You think sorting socks from your dryer is a challenge?  Try sorting a mountain of socks from a pallet box.
Are these socks for a boy or a girl?.  (Bob and James)
What size to you think these socks are?  (Carolyn and Beth)  We loved the socks that came in packages that listed sizes.
The matched and sorted socks were counted and put into boxes. (Ever-Lovin’)  The stacks of boxes behind Ever-Lovin’ are filled with socks,  The stacks were much higher when we were finished.

Then the fun really began.  James, Nancy, and Charlotte are trying to match the socks without mates.

It was unbelievable.  You would think you had a match, and they would be ever so slightly different.  When we made a match, we actually cheered. (James and Charlotte)

This was our gang this month.  The only ones I haven’t mentioned were Janet and Judy.  What a wonderful group. We will be going to Buckner on the first Wednesday of each month.  Join us if you can.  You will be blessed.

Blessings to You and Yours,

Lunch was at The Dairy-ette, but that is another blog.