Thursday, September 16, 2010

What a week!!!

So, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Seriously, don't move when you have a tight time frame and make sure that your internet company can service you at your new house!

It was supposed to be a smooth transition, I take care of the orders while Clint is away and everything would be great right? Well, change of address and UPS can't find us with all our inventory and customers waiting for it. Add on the fact that I didn't have internet the whole weekend because our internet company couldn't service our house, who ever heard of that? Must be a smaller town thing, but I didn't think I lived in that small of town. It seriously took me three days of begging to finally get someone to come and install internet, now I am up at the craziest time because I spent all night getting 40 packages ready for our customers. I am exhausted and I am not done yet!

Oh, and the A/C doesn't work upstairs, it's not that fun in a hot place, good thing it's starting to cool down at night or I just might go crazy!
Clint left Monday for Romania, my mom came down to help out and I am so grateful she did because I couldn't have gone through this week without her.

What else - oh, I didn't know my daughter had a short day at school on Monday, so the teacher called me to tell me she was waiting in the office - I felt horrible. Then the next day was my daughters first picture day and I didn't send money with her, so another phone call from school. They must think I am a huge spaz!
I guess I could go on and on about what's going wrong, but Clint wrote me today about his trip so far and he helped me remember that I have soooooooooo much and that I really shouldn't sweat the small things because I am so blessed.

Here's what he wrote:

Well, today was a long day. We slept in until 9:30 or so since we hadn't slept for so long, then we went down to breakfast, met the car rental guy, showered, then quickly met Gica down in the lobby. We loaded the bags with all the quilts, then drove straight to a large supermarket where we purchased hundreds of dollars worth of school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, markers, rulers and other stuff. We also bought hundreds of dollars worth of food like cheese, salami, oil, potatoes, bread, juice, milk and a few other things. We then went to lunch, then to Gica's office where we sorted everything into dozens of bags to give to each individual group or family. We loaded everything into his van, then started off on our deliveries. We first visited a group of people living out by the canal, living in large metal tubes used to bury water underground. They had cardboard laid out in each one for beds. We gave them some food and quilts which they were very grateful for, then went off and visited about 10 families in their humble homes to deliver each one a bag of food, and quilts for all the children. Each family was living in a home no bigger than our guest room. It put a lump in my throat in one house as we visited the mom and her children. She took care of 6 kids, all of which slept on the floor. I watched as one girl Lili's age walked around seemingly looking for something to do. She only had one tiny area to walk since there was a bed on one side and a couch on the other. In the back there was a tiny stove and fridge which fit in a 4 x 4 foot area. The other side of the back area was the bathroom. They had their kitchen, bathroom and bedroom as their entire house in a small 12 x 12 foot room. Each family we visited was this way, and it broke my heart thinking how spoiled our kids are. I hope they realize some day how blessed we all are, and how lucky they are to have so much room to run around in the house, to have a large yard with grass, and to have plenty of food. Please let them know how lucky they are. I was choked up as I talked to my dad about it. It's just not fair that some people are born in certain situations. Anyway, we visited each family, gave them food and quilts, and finally finished around 9:30 pm.


It made me cry when I thought about the situations that people are in and I am going to try harder to make a difference and also to remember how blessed I am. Thanks again to everyone who donated to our charity - money or quilts - it means a lot. We will have a video as soon as we can when Clint gets home.

13 comments:

Barb said...

What a sweet post....
Sorry you had such a rough week. I didn't know you had moved...I will need to go and visit past post. Hopefully, you will show pictures.

We are truly blessed and even more so to have people like you and your husband go out of their way for others.

Wendy said...

You poor thing! Moving is always crazy time for everyone. This will pass and be a funny story someday! Clint's letter is so touching. You are doing a huge service for these people. I never knew any of this poverty or hunger before I found your blog. Romania is just never on the news. Thankful you have brought it to our attention and have given us such an easy way to help. Bless your big hearts!

Gene Black said...

Oh Judy, sometimes the small things get to you. It is only when we are reminded of all we ARE TRULY BLESSED with that we regain our center.

Peace be with you my friend.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

a rough week for you but rough for your hubby too when he sees how other people are living - and to think there are a lot of families in the USA living in those conditions too, I think a lot of people believe it is only overseas.
Hope you settle in your new house soon, I'm sure all understand if their packages arrive late due to your moving.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Anonymous said...

Hugs, Judi... great big squishy hugs.... This craziness shall pass... have faith.

tellad said...

My - Clint's remarks surely puts our "rich" lives into perspective and makes what we are going through look like nothing after all....I hope to be involved in your next trek with either quilts or monetary contribution - I plan on sharing these remarks with all my grandchildren at Christmas to let them know just how blessed they really are... Thanks for sharing - looking forward to the video -Teri Dingler

Nedra said...

My prayers have been with both you and Clint. I'm so glad your mom is helping out. And I understand you will now be in Kathy Smith's ward. How wonderful!

Needled Mom said...

We are so truly blessed and it is always good to be reminded of such when we have our "issues". You guys are awesome to be a bright spot in their lives.

Marisa said...

It's easy to forget how blessed we are! Thanks for the reminder!

Hope your days are going better!

Purple Quilter Queen said...

Clint's letter really put a lump in my throat too! You guys are doing a really wonderful thing. You are leading by example and your kids will grow up feeling blessed by your actions. Keep up the great work you are doing. Take care and REST!! Hope baby is coming along well. Jenn

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

It is so very true. To have water, clothing, electricity etc....such a huge blessing. To have a choice of what to wear in the morning is a gift.

You and Clint know how much I admire all you have done and sacrificed to provide such important messages of hope and kindness to those families and children.

Kelly

Beth said...

I'm sorry it's been such a crappy week for you Jude. I'm hoping everything will settle down and center itself soon. God truly has a way of putting things in perspective for us whenever we feel picked on, or used and abused. I'm glad you are getting the chance to serve others! Love you guys!!!

Ellen said...

It is hard to remember to appreciate all we have until you read a story like what your hubby shared. I just moved too & I'm complaining about squeezing 1800 sq feet of 'stuff' into 1200 sq feet and holy cow - some people don't even have a bed. What the heck am I thinking? Thanks for the reminder - you honestly made me stop and think. Love your blog!