Fourth of July

Nope, this isn't about what you think it's about!  :)

Our church always has a huge celebration at a farm owned by one of our church members.  There are all sorts of activities to be enjoyed, from the sprinkle fountain for the little people, to the climbing wall, to the rifle shoot, to the horse rides and even a helicopter ride this year!  There is always a ton of food as well.  Now of course if food is involved, it's big time stress for us b/c of the kids allergies; but when it's only our church people and a handful of visitors we go anyway b/c our church family knows my kids and generally the other children are VERY mindful of the need for safety. 

This year there will be 700 people there, not to mention those who show up without the RSVP... so who knows how many really will be there; and most will not know about safety precautions needed for our children.  Scary.  So we may or may not stay today but we're going to go at least.

But the reason for this whole post is that yesterday was set-up day for the party.  We asked and found out that there would be no food for that so we went b/c it's been years since we've been able to help... because food is always involved.  (As an aside, it's truly bizarre how food is everywhere.  If you want to minister while living with multiple food allergies to touch or inhalation, you're just outta luck.  It's crazy!)  We were so excited to be able to help!  The kids and I are helpers...we really do love to help but rarely get the chance so this was a big thing for us.

So yesterday, Kate got to be the water hose girl (lol) meaning she stood there not knowing what to do so someone gave her a water hose and told her to water things.  She got to clean off a bunch of large kitchen equipment pieces and then she got to water all the flowers.  A young man and his mother went and collected all the flower arrangements (in pots) and brought them to Kate, who watered them heavily.  Then we all went back and hung them up while she watered who knows what.  At one point I stole the hose and watered the kids.  Tony & Daddy worked together on projects outside while I took the girls inside and we helped with the table flower arrangements.  Before we got done, Tony wandered in and helped water them too.  I have no idea what all Daddyman was doing but he was sure sweaty and has a nice sunburn on his face.  Once the flowers were done, the hostess and I worked on getting the American flags placed around the area and getting some of the large decorations in place, while the girls worked together to take water to everyone.

The whole day was fabulous... tons of work and sweat but oh so productive.  And doing it with a crowd of people was just such a blessing for all of us.  I am a people person and having to live a lifestyle where we frequently have to avoid people, this was just heavenly for me.  And of course my helper son was enjoying the opportunity to be helpful and my social girls loved the whole day just being around people.

At one point, the girls asked me if they could go play on the playground.  I was distracted and didn't answer but this sweet gentleman, who had a sling on his arm and walked with a cane, told me he would be happy to watch the girls over there.  He had been looking for something to do but everything was manual labor that he could not participate in.  And as is Kate's habit, she had made friends with him a while earlier by plopping a chair near him and saying "Hi, let's chat".  lol  He spent probably 15-20 minutes just pushing Kate & Grace in the swing and quite a long time just hanging out and being an adult presence while they played.  He told me later that he loved playing with them and they reminded him of his daughter.  She died when she was 17 (10 years ago) and while telling her story to me, he teared up but was grateful for the time he'd been given with her.  Talking with him was humblings... such a sweet gentle spirit.

So all in all we had a GREAT day yesterday just helping.  Being around all those people, busy working and doing and talking, it was a breath of fresh air!  When Tony was first born I had all these grand plans on how we would help and minister to others.  I grew up helping people and knew it was a good thing for children to be able to see beyond their own needs to the needs of others.  But God had other plans for us when He made it so we cannot be around most "helping" situations.  I really don't understand that part but since there's nothing I can do about it, I just look for opportunities that work for us.  Yesterday was that opportunity and I am so grateful for it!

So in a few hours we will head out to the party and I don't know if we will even be able to stay; but if we have to come home b/c of the dangers there, we will still be grateful that we had yesterday.  And we'll probably eat some coconut ice cream too.  :)

Happy Independence Day people!!  Enjoy it!