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.
3 comments:
I also recently had a work trip to one of the church’s food plants. I visited the pasta plant, where we boxed and bagged noodles. I bought a box 20# of spaghetti ends, which is the best spaghetti. I agree the whole service work and support the needy program that the church has is wonderful.
Where do you work? It's good to hear from you.
Thanks for sharing! I have never been to the cannery myself. I have learned something. I thought the ones the members went to was just for personal canning. I often make excuses for not going for myself, but I would totally do it for others. I can just imagine the spirit felt. I love that as members of the church we can find friends where ever we go. That is neat.
While I am thinking of it... I am kind of setting up my own sight too. I say "kind of" because I haven't spent a lot of time on it yet. You may take a peak though and give me any input you have. The address is:
cleveland-partyofsix.blogspot.com
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