Getting a Grip on Hope ~ Part Eight

Week of August 4,

Last week was our last "mission" week of the season.  That is to say, it was the last week that we worked out in the community.

This week, Team F.O.G., (Friends of Gary Osborn) arrives from Fairfield, North Dakota.  Gary, his wife Betty, granddaughter Val, along with Pastor Lyn arrived late this afternoon.  Gary and Pastor Lyn each drove a semi-truck. Gary's team collects clothing, mattresses and some furniture throughout the year.  Betty washes and sizes all of the clothes prior to their arrival at the Ministry Center.

Gary's sister, Shirley, was unable to come with them this time.  Shirley has a wonderful ministry -- she purchases back-packs and school supplies for the children. 

We will unload the trucks tomorrow morning.  We will hold a "give-away" Monday afternoon and all day on Tuesday. 

 

Here they come with Gary leading the way...

 

 

Pastor Lyn is in this one... 

 

And...we're landed!!

 

 

We awoke to overcast skies and cool weather this morning.  By early afternoon, the sun came out and it was hot!!

 

 

Waiting to unload...

this smaller semi-trailer held 700 (yes, 700) boxes of clothing and some household items...



 

Betty had each and every box marked...ladies, mens, children etc.

 

Unloading furniture from the larger truck (this semi-trailer held furniture and mattresses)

 

Pastor Lyn taking a much needed break...

 

 Diana and Betty sorting back-packs...

 

Lots of mattresses! They're always in high demand as many people do not have beds...they will sleep on mattresses and stand them up against the wall when they awake in the morning...

Pastor Lyn had to leave after the unloading was completed...

 

So that's where you've been hiding, Val!!!

 

Waiting for the gate to open...

 

Still coming in...



 

He's got his couch picked out...



 

Lined up for back-packs...



Happy to have their back-packs...



 

Picking out their mattress...



Shopping for furniture...

Shopping...

 

He's picked out his blanket...

Taking a break...

I've got my chair...

More shopping...

Loaded up...

 

 Lots and lots of shopping going on...

While the adults shopped, the kids did their own shopping...

 

 

Trying out a bike...

 

 Loving my new bike...

 

Taking a break and looking at their new books...

Trying on clothes...

At the end of Monday, we loaded up empty boxes...





This is all the boxes that remain for Tuesday.  All of the furniture and mattresses are also gone...

 

 

 

We woke up to thunder this am (Tuesday) and a few sprinkles...We held off until late this morning to reopen the give-away...

 

 

Loading up the blocks which we used to hold the plastic down...





Removing the plastic and moving the boxes...

 

 Eric came by to help...

 

 

We only had a few people come today...it was hot for awhile and then by early afternoon the rains came and we had to close down.

 

We loaded remaining boxes onto the flat bed trailer, and tarped it.  These boxes will then be taken to the Rec Center in Fort Totten for distribution.

 

By early evening, the skies cleared and the sun came out...

 

 

Gathered 'round the fire...





 

A great way to end the day...

 

Another beautiful Dakota sky...



 

 

 

Wednesday morning, we awoke to much warmer temperatures and sunny skies.  We all went to breakfast at Mr. and Mrs. Jays in Devils Lake.  When we returned to the Ministry Center, Gary, Betty and Val packed up...

 

 

Loading up the truck...







We were so happy to have been able to reacquaint ourselves them.  They have a very special ministry and is one that helps so many.  We wished them safe travels...

 

and...they're off...