By Barbara Holton and Geraldine June, 2nd Episcopal District
First Quarterly , Missionary Report.
During this first quarter, The Missionaries of Ebenezer Charlotte Hall are well pleased with their agreement to join and assist with the USDA delivery of Food Boxes to the elderly and needy in St. Mary’s County Md. The program was spearheaded by Bishop Phillip Spence and Dwayne Cooper of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, to deliver 400 boxes of food within the county.
Ebenezer was issued a total of 100 boxes of food to distribute that included Chicken, Ham Slices, Pigs in a Blanket, potatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, milk lettuce , tomatoes and some cookies.
One of our soup kitchen helpers Mr. David Briscoe delivered 30 boxes in the name of Ebenezer. He gave of his time to volunteer and help on a cold rainy day in an effort to help someone in need. The smile on his face told the story of the blessings he received while doing the work of the king, he carries a portable oxygen pack on his side to breathe, but it did not dampen his determination or his intent to assist.
Sister Barbara Holton and I have been collecting left over school meals from local schools at the end of the day, and redistributing them to the elderly who no longer have the will or want to cook for themselves.
We collect, separate and divide what we collect and put them in small bags that will last two or three days. The bags consist of small microwavable meals, cereal that can be eaten with or without milk, fruit cups, applesauce, cookies, apples, pears, and some oranges.
Under our care is a member who is showing early signs of Dementia. She sometimes forgets to eat and does not want to cook. During her food delivery while unpacking it, she asked what is this, I said a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
She tore the bag open and began to eat it while talking about how she used to eat them as a child on biscuits with homemade applesauce, and how good it always was. Now we take extra peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to her, because she wants to share them with her neighbors across the road. She now eats regularly but one thing she said tore us apart, I REMEMBER HOW IT FEELS TO BE HUNGRY.
There is still a small child in all of us Dementia causes the mind to retreat to a places where it lives in the past. We thank God for the value found in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, that reminded her that it was time to eat. In leaving she gives out big hugs and always says, thank you for being my friend.
Respectfully Submitted: Barbara Holton & Geraldine June
