Timing truly is incredible and when I look back at some of the unexpected events that took place at a specific moment in time I am stunned and in awe of how God is always there working in my life. Care packages are the root of most of the events I have described in previous articles. The sight of a stack of identically labelled large boxes often brings out the curiosity in people so they inquire as to what they are and where they are going. I am used to this curiosity and thankful because it often opens doors to new donors or gives me the opportunity to encourage others to support our troops through care packages or a variety of ways.
This event took place on my front doorstep, a large condo highrise with over 400 units. Naturally I do not know all of the other residents...far too many to get to know. At the time I was shipping ten to fifteen boxes per week with the help of a friend, Nancy, who assisted me for nearly a year and whose larger vehicle enabled us to get the boxes to the post office in one trip. When Nancy was not available I called on the dedicated Marines from our local recruiting office (the same office where my nephew was recruited) who were always ready and willing to do what was needed to get a shipment to their brothers in arms.
On this particular day while we were loading her van, a tall middle aged gentleman was entering the building and inquired about the boxes. I launched into my explanation with a big smile and explained that they were heading to Iraq for our Marines in combat at different locations throughout the country. From that point on the conversation really boggled my mind!!!!
I explained that my nephew was in Iraq serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, India Company and his unit was to receive a couple of the fifteen packages that were addressed to many different units. Well, his reply nearly knocked me off my feet. He was a Marine veteran and served with 3/6 India himself decades ago. Once again I learn that the Marine Corps world is a very small one indeed. Right here at my front door I met a veteran who served in the same unit as my nephew!!! That has happened several times since this meeting took place and each time I am surprised!!!
He proceeded to ask for details.....how the care packages were funded and how I obtained the funds. Evidently he had not seen any of the local TV interviews or newspaper or magazine articles that featured my ministry. I also told him I counted on word of mouth. Until last September I worked in a mall which gave me access to a constant stream of people, both friends and strangers...... and I was not timid about bringing up the subject of supporting our troops overseas. He asked what the cost was to fund such a project, and I explained in detail the cost of the contents and the shipping. The trips to Costco, Sam's Club, the Dollar Tree, etc. I had a distinct feeling I should ask if he would like to make a donation to support our Marines and he said sure, how much would I like? Well, I thought to myself, why start small, right? So I asked him if he would be willing to donate $1000. By now you probably figured out what the answer was, hence my writing this article and sharing this story. He said 'YES' and asked me to write down my name and where to send the check!!!!
That was not the only time this generous veteran offered to support the Marines in combat. On several occasions over the years he would send me a check for $500. This was yet another example of Marines supporting their brothers. I have come to realize that support extends beyond Marines and includes their families and supporters as well. I know that I have been blessed mightily over the years by a multitude of generous folks who responded just as this gentleman did and I am so very grateful and thankful that those donors have been there for our troops for eleven long years. These donations are all the more meaningful because I am not a registered non-profit organization and their donations are not tax deductible......they are truly giving from their hearts!!!!!!
As the military continues its draw down, deactivates many units and their entire game plan changes, there will be less need for the weekly care packages that have gone out faithfully over the years. I cannot imagine my life without them.....cannot picture my apartment not looking like a mini version of Sam's Club, the entire perimeter piled with non perishable food, toiletries and magazines. I have always known that the time would come for this ministry to be over, and trust the Lord to open a new door when that day comes. I think this year will be the last. The end of an era in my life that has brought me more joy and friendships than I could have ever conceived. These eleven years have been life changing in many ways and if you have read my previous articles you already know what I am talking about.
Thank you to my neighbor and ALL the others who have been there, believing in me and my desire to bring happiness and comfort and a sense of home to our troops deployed! I will never forget what these years have meant to me. Writing these stories and sharing them with the reader gives them a sense of permanence. To God goes the glory........for only He is capable of arranging each event that I write and publish. I truly love knowing that all of you appreciate and enjoy my writings.
