The Cannery AKA Family Home Storage Center

NO, not canary the bird, cannery, a place to can food. My church has a cannery for members of the church and other food storaging type folk to come work and buy food. Today was my first trip to the cannery. It reminded me at first of the good ol days working in a huge industrial laundry service. INSAIN. When you first walk in you are required to sign in, net your hair, put on an apron, wash hands and then slip into fancy blue latex gloves. My friend and I then headed back into the factory where we were to be orientated on proper procedures and such like stuff. When the man in charge had finished his speech about not stuffing date stickers in our pockets to be applied at home, some OSHA rule about stickers being applied before leaving the warehouse, he invited someone to say a prayer. Yes, say a prayer. I was so touched by this. I will comment further on this later on.

Salsa was on the menu today, the air was filled with the aroma of spices and tomatoes. There were about 20 folks total, ranging in age from twenty to 70ish. We assembled ourselves around long metal tables with countless mason jars and lids awaiting the steamy scrumptiousness of salsa. The speed and quality of our work was amazing. There was no yelling, swearing, or laziness in a single individual. Everyone worked, everyone did their part. If their job was finished they went onto a different person to assist, whether it be by screwing on lids or wiping of the dribbles. We worked non-stop for 3 hours. When the work was done we had several paletts of scrumptious salsa to be enjoyed by those who had worked and also those who are in need. I failed to mention that the food that is made and canned at this facility is not only for those who come and work/buy, it is for the needy. The food is distributed as directed by eclesiastical leaders.

The whole system is brilliant. It wasn't just the system that touched me so much today. It was the warmth, love, friendship, that we all seemed to share. The spirit that started off the whole shift of work. Beginning with a prayer was literally just the beginning. I was touched by the happy chatter amongst all the people. Few were acquainted with each other, but communicated as if they were long lost friends. I especially loved seeing the elderly couples working side by side preparing the very food they would share with their children and children's children. One couple had 21 great grandchildren and they would all recieve various food items for their food storage as christmas gifts. These couples were such good examples to me of eternal marriage and the importance of working together as a team.

I feel priveledged to have been able to work today and be a part of such a divinely inspired system and to work along side such Christ-like lovely people.

Election Day

I was volunteering at my children's school today and there just happened to be an assembly. The assembly today was for first quarter awards and prizes and also to allow the second grade classes the opportunity to perform some songs they had been working on. The assembly started with the second graders leading us in our National Anthem and then we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Perphaps I am too sentimental but while singing the National Anthem I cared not whether or not I was heard, I belted out the song with all energy of heart with hand on my heart and tears filling my eyes. Then when it came time to say the Pledge my emotions overcame me and I got all choked up. I observed the other parents close by and saw some just standing, some saying the words but no hand on the heart, a couple doing as I did but probably with less emotion. Listening to the children is what brought on my emotion. These children are the ones who will lead us in the future. They are the ones whom we should look to, making sure they are properly educated, loved, and cared for. I love this country, I love what we stand for. I love my God! I know that He has given us this great land. I PRAY this country continues to be great!