Challenges of 2009 so far

2009 is here. So far it has been a challenge to say the least. We as a family are struggling with the reality of Joe's fight with cancer. He is in the hospital receiving palliative care. Someone is with him 24 hours a day. In his weakened condition, he needs constant care. However, with all that we are going through, we are thankful. Joe was diagnosed 3 years ago and given 10 months(maybe). God restored him in amazing ways in the past three years and we are thankful for the gift of those 3 years.

As I watch him love people in the hospital, I am amazed. He has terminal cancer, yet he takes every opportunity to love and encourage everyone around him. It does not matter what their role is, orderly, nurse, patient, volunteer, Dr. or administrator, he always has a kind word of encouragement, a joke or challenge for people. Many staff drop by to say hello, ask advice or give him an update. As I consider Galatians and the fruits of the Spirit, it is very evident to me, that Joe exudes many of these fruits. God touches people through Joe. I hope that at the end of my life, I am half the man that Joe is.

Peace,

K

Emergency

Gina is a came in today. She was emotional and asking for food. She has not eaten in 4 days. She lives in the West Island. There are a lot of circumstances that have led her to the place she finds herself in. She apologizes for asking for food, a basic need that many of us take for granted. It still amazes me at times that there is so much need in the West Island.

Christmas is over, but the need has not changed, except to get worse. We are now feeding 93 families a week, with a waiting list and providing emergency boxes for people like Gina. Our school lunch program is making 100 lunches a week for local elementary schools.

Thank you to those of you who help in various ways. Together, we make a difference.

Peace,

K

Thank You

We have been blessed this year in so many ways. I was telling a friend yesterday that as we were gearing up for the christmas food and gift distribution, my van spontaneously combusted. We found ourselves in a place where we were raising money for two projects at once. This is not an ideal place to be, but so many people, companies and churches came through on both projects. I am now in the writing thank you notes mode, but I know I am going to forget someone. I hate that feeling, so, if I miss you, THANK YOU for your generosity. We can only do what we do because of people like you.

Peace,

K

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Our Christmas rush is over and it went well. The Christmas baskets were awesome. We had help from so may places. From a local Catholic Church to companies like Vanguard Steel and Kinetex in the West Island. We even had the Beaconsfield Volunteer Rescue squad delivering boxes. We are fortunate enough have a surplus for January, one of our slowest months of the year. So, when all is said and done 92 families recieved gifts and turkey dinners to celebrate with their family. This Christmas was a glowing example of the fact that together, we can make a difference. Thank you to all who helped us this year.

Peace,

K