Quilts of Hope...more quilts find a home

I thought the Ike Quilt chapter of "Quilts of Hope, Blankets of Love" was closed back in April with this post but it's not!! I made contact with the lady who had donated the quilt, she was from MI...her quilt had not been included in the webshot album because I had displaced her name and address and didn't photograph the quilts....I'm sooo glad there was a post concerning who received her gift and she was finally able to connect to the 'rest of the story' ...

Well, there are two more. These quilts were brought to me several months ago by a local lady who pieced them from rainbow colored fabric and her friend in CA machine quilted them. Again, I've lost the contact and hope that perhaps they will see them on the post as these beautiful quilts found homes today.


I received this (edited) email and the photos from a fellow guild member ...

We gave quilts to the 2 families who had houses dedicated for them today at Bay Area Habitat for Humanity - Houston, Inc....The quilts went to two families the O____ family and the T_____ family. Both families were impacted by Hurricane Ike and the O______ family house later burned down. They loved the quilts! One of the young ladies is a granddaughter and the other is a daughter....

For these families perhaps the tragedy of Ike has been replaced by the joy of a new home. It was a blessing to have a small part in this just simply by being able to pass on a quilt of sacrifice and love from "a stranger". I'm sure God is smiling down on all involved with today's joyous occasion. Proof still that God is in Control and He loves us.

Quilts for Ike - finally home

Back in the fall many many many quilters from all over the states send quilts in my care to distribute to people effected by Hurricane Ike (9/11/08). As the quilts came in I did my best to document them with photos and put on my webshots as well as place a label on the quilt of the maker and their address in the event the recipient would like to send a thank you, or at least be blessed knowing that someone somewhere cared enough to make a quilt and send to them.

Many were given out at a church in San Leon, an area in Galveston county right on the bay that had an average of 10 feet of water. Many more were given out in an area a little up the road between Seabrook and LaPorte where an entire neighborhood is just now getting to return home. Several were given to individuals that I know in the community and a few more have been waiting for a good home patiently reminding me of their presence as they have been sitting on a pew in my living room....

Today the quilts are finding a home. I had two child size ones, two lap size ones, and this large king size one that somehow missed out on being labeled. I have no idea of the generous quilter who sent this back around Thanksgiving. I remember receiving it and thinking how unselfish this person had to be to donate so much time and labor for a complete stranger effected by a natural disaster.

Well, my friend, whomever you are, rest assured that your reward will be in heaven for this act of kindness AND I want you to know that your quilt is blessing a 67 yr old pastor from San Leon who's church was lost during the storm yet was very instrumental in being a place of refuge for the community -- to this day they still give out food and assist those who have literally become homeless due to Ike. Every week we drive through the area to see more and more lots just totally cleared off of any sign of previous inhibition. It's sobering. Yet in this great darkness for our area this pastor and his little church have been a lighthouse. Many many have come to know the Savior due to the devastation of Hurricane Ike -- the church is growing in attendance and is offering a weekly "New Christians" class which my husband's parents are coming from an ajoining community to facilitate -- it is through them and their getting to know people in need that I have relinquished the last of the Quilts of Hope for distribution, asking them to reserve this large beautiful quilt for the pastor who has been a faithful servant.

The chapter is finished for me as far as distributing quilts, but the story doesn't end here. Many people are still out of their homes, many more haven't even settled with insurance IF they had it. The battles are long and hard. Many more were flooded again this week with the terrible rains. Just a reminder that life is hard, but God is good. He uses the simple things like weather and even a shared quilt to offer hope and draw folks to Him.

Thank you to all that sent their precious creations so unselfishly. I am sorry that I haven't contacted each of you personally....sometimes the best intentions go unfinished. Just know that your unselfish gift is still giving and I have appreciated being a part of this.

Guess what's in the boxes?

Hope.

Quilts of Hope to be exact. Blankets of Love donated towards Hurricane Ike recovery.

Packages from North Carolina, Michigan, and Washington.

Gifts of love waiting to be opened, photographed, labeled with a simple letter and then distributed in time for Christmas to those who need it the most.

Thank you to those who have given so generously of their time, talents, and resources. Thank you for entrusting me with your quilts of hope to share with my neighbors.

Quilts of Hope delivered

Today all the Quilts of Hope that have accumulated in my studio during the past few weeks waiting for a home were disbursed...Four large ones went home with Sherry from Mainland Morning Guild. She is working with an organization in Galveston that is focusing on "one family at a time" to make sure their needs are met. Sherry's adoptive family consists of a grandmother raising her three grandchildren. In addition to the Quilts of Hope they will be provided with a lot of basic necessities to set up house keeping. I don't know how many families this organization is assisting, I just know of the one Sherry is working with. The need is so great, I can't imagine!

The remaining quilts (approx. 40-50) that hadn't already found a home were taken to Maranatha Baptist Church in San Leon -- you may remember me sharing about this little church in the early days after Ike...Bro Bill told me today that the timing couldn't be better - that now was the time folks were beginning to come back to their homes and replace items to set up housekeeping again. He said if the quilts had come quickly after Ike that they really would have been in the way of clean up. This was reassuring as I had been concerned since I had spoken to him months ago concerning quilts and felt bad I was just now following up (smile). See, God's timing is perfect.

As you can see from the photos, this little church was in the center of the storm - there is still debris on the side of the road to be picked up -- it was encouraging to walk inside the building and see new sheetrock, someone working on installing the new bathrooms, and the chairs set up for services. Also in the room were tables where the ladies are sorting through clothing and dontated items. I didn't think to get a photo of the "quilt pile" added to the tables (sigh) but just know that these quilts will be given out to familes in the San Leon area who are in the process of rebuilding and restoring their lives.

As the sign says "Prayer changes things" -- why not take a moment and pray for the Ike survivors, not just here in Galveston county, but all over the Texas Gulf Coast and other hard hit areas -- it was a "Texas Size" storm that did a lot, a lot of damage! As we approach Thanksgiving I can't help but be thankful that our home was spared and that we have such wonderful quilting friends nationwide that are allowing me to be the facilitator in giving out these quilts of hope to my neighbors! God bless you all!

Christ In Action - Hurricane Ike Responders

This morning on my local christian radio station KSBJ I learned of an organization from Virginia called Christ in Action who have been first responders since Ike. They are camped at a local large church, Grace Community on I 45 located at exit 31 -- these fine folks have been serving meals daily since Ike and are "catering" to the island which is Exit 0 on I 45 meaning they are traveling ONE WAY approx. 31 miles.

No only are they catering meals to areas STILL without power, but they are removing trees, gutting houses, and in general ministering to the hurting. The gentleman on the radio said they triage those in need - widows, elderly, disabled, single moms, etc. In other words, those who really can't help themselves. They have a huge financial need. He said they spend $400 a day in diesel alone to keep their generators and refrigerated trucks running. Currently they are "in the hole" financially and need assistance so they can continue to work down here among the needy.

If you do nothing else, please read their blog - especially the story about Judy called As Promised then the entry about Frank & Margaret. These two stories will make you cry. Then scroll down from the entry about Frank & Margaret and read Hurricane Who? It echos some of my own misgivings that the people down here are forgotten by the media.

Again, I heard on the radio that Bolivar probably won't have power until Nov 15th, and that the ferry which runs between the islands won't be fully operational for 3 to 6 months. They said the tent communities will close by the end of the month--where will these folks go? The gentleman from Christ in Action said that much of Galveston Island still looks like it did the day after the storm - there are so many who haven't even begun to gut their houses which are now covered in dangerous mold and mildew. Their organization is offering hope - first with the basics of a good meal and by rolling up their sleeves and helping to do the work - but also with counseling. They are assisting people as they walk through the process of simply knowing what to do next, how to understand insurance, etc. Just imagine the hope this gives - this teams knows and understands disasters and they can guide those who are still in shock from the disaster striking them.

When I first started this blog my intentions were to ramble about my journey as a quilter, yet as life has happened I have been compelled to ramble about my journey simply as a human being. Quilting is what I do, not who I am. It's what connects me to other quilters, who I've found are marvelous compassionate people. Through this blog I hope we are connecting on a deeper level. Life is full of serious times, fun times, and silly times. Right now life in the gulf coast of Texas is very very serious and we need folks in other areas to come along side to encourage and help. Perhaps its through donations to organizations like Christ in Action or Samaritans Purse or others, perhaps it's through Blankets of Love or organizing a mission trip down south with your church or organization. If nothing else, keep folks around you reminded of Ike - so many have forgotten, there's so much going on in our own little daily lives much less all the national attention on the upcoming election and world events. Just in the craziness of daily life, please take time to offer a prayer for Ike survivors and the teams who are so unselfishly ministering to the victims. You may not be able to give, but your voice, your email forward, your link to these relief organizations could be what prompts someone who is able to give the opportunity to do just that.

God bless
ko

PS check out this story Helping Families Caught in the Undertow of Ike

Quilts of Hope - Blankets of Love

I mentioned a call to action earlier this week in my three week reflection ramble on Sunday - perhaps you missed it since the post was rather lengthy, it’s near the bottom. It's important so worth repeating.

Those of you that are fellow quilters who read this blog and have quilting friends in local churches, guilds, online lists listen up (smile). Here's a call to action, a challenge, an opportunity.

There is a need for quilts of hope and blankets of love to be distributed to those displaced and hurting due to Hurricane Ike. You've seen the photos on TV, the links on the internet. It's real folks. And it's wide spread.

I live in Galveston County, (go to google maps and type in Galveston county to see a clearer view of this area) which of course includes the hard hit area of Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula, but also mainland communities such as Tiki Island, Bayou Vista, LaMarque, Texas City, Hitchcock, Santa Fe, Dickinson, Bacliff and San Leon. Many of our coastal communities have families who no longer have an inhabitable homes - who has “lost everything”…

For example, San Leon is an unincorporated community of 5,000. As you can see on the map, the community is surrounded by the bay - this area is called Eagle's Point and historically has been a fishing community. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, in San Leon do not have homes. And this is just one area. As the weathermen said “Ike is the size of Texas” and it took a big bite.

There are two quilt guilds in Galveston County, Mainland Morning in Texas City and Island Quilters in Galveston. Many many of these quilters who typically make charity quilts have lost their sewing machines, fabrics, and other important necessities in their lives. One of our county’s quilt stores remains temporarily closed due to the clean up from Ike’s damages. So its up to you in other areas to step up and send charity quilts that we are unable to make ourselves.

Quilters unite! Your love is needed on the Texas Gulf Coast. Quilts are needed to offer hope to these local residents. Children need cuddle blankets, adults need bedding. Quilts of all shapes and sizes are needed. I shared with a friend at church Sunday my hopes of receiving quilts to distribute – here’s a portion of his email…

I have a somewhat selfish request. If you get any quilts, 2 of the people that work for me have lost pretty much everything due to the storm and we haven't really been able to do anything for them.. your quilts might be our best way to say we are with you... they are both adults - no kids... I hope you are flooded with quilts soon... praying with and for you and the quilts..thanks M.B

Already there’s been a call to arms, please visit Ginny’s Quilts for her inspiration on making donation quilts as well as a reference to quick rag quilt patterns. Thank you to Ginny and her daughter Torrie who are leading by example.

Send links to these posts to all your quilting buddies – spread the word. Become a local drop off point and then contact me (karen@quiltsnkaboodle.com) for the shipping address, my Quilts 'N Kaboodle studio will be a collection point for quilted donations, then with God’s help and guidance, these offering will be given to agencies already set up in the area to distribute. I’ll do my best to photo document and keep you posted via this blog and or my website.

Thank you in advance.May God truly bless your efforts.

Three Week Reflection

this photo by Johnny Hanson was published in the Houston Chronicle 9.12.08 the day BEFORE Ike. It is of a well known memorial to the 1900 Storm located on the seawall in Galveston, or should I say, was a memorial. It's my understanding that it was a victim of Ike's furry. The waves in the photo were caused by the storm surge that proceeded Ike and worsened during the storm causing indiscribable devisation.

Three weeks ago Ike made national news. Seems now for the majority of the country this is old news and they have moved on. For the people effected by Ike the news is still current. And very real.

I attended a very small church in San Leon today after attending "early services" at my home church Calvary Houston. I learned that the same Committed Relief organization that had been helping these past few weeks in the Friendswood Community surrounding my home church had now moved south. (The team members are from several Calvary Chapels around the states, for more information including donations click here ).

The Maranatha Baptist Church of San Leon is less than three miles from my home, in Galveston Country right on the shores of Galveston Bay. This area was hard hit, yet perhaps more under reported than the city of Galveston. San Leon is on the mainland and a small unincorporated community.

Morning services were held outside since power has still not been restored. Peeking inside the open doors, looking past the collection of cases of water and other relief supplies I couldn't help but notice the areas where sheetrock had already been removed from the walls. Yet here they were, the faithful few gathered to praise and worship our Lord. The members of the church were joined by this team of relief workers from Calvary Chapels who will be going door to door in the neighborhood of San Leon this week to assist in cleanup.

The service was joyful. The people there, my neighbors whom I haven't met yet, seemed to be very encouraged that fellow believers had come from great distances to help shoulder the burden. As Bro. Bill, the elder in charge since the church is currently without a pastor, said "I've met family I didn't know I had!" Even as my own pastor, Pastor Ron, shared this morning - in Christ there are no barriers of race, religion, culture, or social standing when we have "put off the old man, and put on the new" by being one through Christ. Indeed, it felt like a family reunion, a mini taste of the joy we will one day embrace when we attend the ultimate 'family reunion' when Christ calls all true believers unto Himself. What a glorious day!

While He tares His coming there is work for His bride, the church, to do. Quite honestly I've struggled with this, trying to find "my part" in the big puzzle. Thankfully many have heard the call and rolled up their sleeves to come help with the hard labor of clean up, many have heard the call and are gifted in offering the words of hope and healing. Many have shared their gifts and talents by preparing and distributing meals. Many more by giving of their money to organizations who are good stewards of the gift and use it fully to assist those in need. Indeed, the church, as a whole, is doing what they can to be the light shining in the darkness - not just as a humanitarian effort, as the guest pastor shared today, but as ones who share the gospel first - giving of the eternal along side the temporal. As one of the California team members said - those that come to serve are truly the ones blessed as much or more than those receiving the fruit of their labor. A hard concept to understand if you don't understand the One who gives this peace. Again, referencing Pastor Ron's message this morning, when someone has "put on" the love of Christ then everything out of them flows with His love. When things are done in His name, consistant to His character, then the world can see the hope that dwells in us, the same hope that is for every man. Peace in troubled times. Jesus is that hope. Blessed is he who shares of this love freely through their sacrifice of service.

As a quilter who loves to take tiny pieces of fabric and sew it back into something useful, I've wondered what part can I play in taking back tiny pieces of lives cut up by Ike and doing something useful - what's a quilter to do? A few ideas have come to mind and are in the process of being implimented.

As a quilter I understand the therapy of the quilting process. One friend called me a week or so ago knowing that I had electricity (which she did not) and wanted to know if she could come over to quilt - she needed that stress release. She came over and I assisted her in finishing a t-shirt quilt for a coach at a local Christian school who was recovering from a severe brain injury incurred during the final weeks of school last summer. Her stress release was giving to someone else in need through her gift and talents as a quilter.

The other day the thoughts of quilters who may have lost their abilibty to quilt due to perhaps not having power, or losing their sewing machine in the storm, or their fabric, or just being overstressed by the storm came to mind and those thoughts then turned towards an upcoming class I'll be teaching at one of the area quilt shops these next two Saturdays. I am a certified teacher with Square in A Square technique and thought wouldn't it be a blessing to be able to offer a scholarship to one of my classes? I spoke with the shop owner and she agreed. I'd waive my teaching fee and she'd assist me in putting together a free fabric kit as a needed supply for the class. We also said we'd loan a sewing machine to the scholarship winner if that were a need. I then contacted Jodi Barrows, creator of Square in a Square who gracioiusly will donate the necessary technique ruler as well as an autographed copy of the book that has the pattern we will be making in class to the scholarship winner. Flyers were sent out to the customers of this quilt shop as well as two of the local guilds (one being Island Quilters Guild from Galveston) to nominate a person to recieve the scholarship - someone who would be blessed with a Quilting Girls Day Out. Already we've received stories of our fellow quilters who have lost it all and need this therapy. I'm excited about the class and how it can be used to administer hope, even if it's just playing in fabric. For someone, that will be one more step towards normality.

If you are lingering through this long ramble I hope you will catch this next important opportunity....especially if you are a quilter. There is a need for the love and hope that can come through a handmade quilt (not necessary hand quilted, but made with loving hands). The announcement was made last night on a longarm list that quilts of hope can be sent here to my studio where they will then be distributed to those in Galveston County who have a need for this sort of comfort. I shared the possibility with Bro. Bill at the little church in San Leon after services, he said the need is great for bedding and such. Clothing has been distributed from their facilities and continue to be distributed at the area Christian-run Lighthouse Thrift store in Bacliff. He mentioned that there is also a great need for diapers "from newborn to adult" -- I share that just in case there's someone reading who has this gift of gathering and distribution...me, I'm a quilter (smile) and all I know is to help in ways that I've been gifted - through my quilting and my gift of gab -- urging you who share my joy of quilting to remember the people down south that can benefit from your generosity.

Since this blog is "public" I'd rather not share my mailing address. If you aren't on the online lists where it was posted you may contact me through my email karen@quiltsnkaboodle.com and I'll be happy to provide an address where you can ship your offering of quilts. With the Lord's help, these will be given to organizations that are already in place and connected to individuals who would most benefit. If you are like many who are able to give with your pocket book, I urge you to visit the Calvary Chapel link as well as Samaritian's Purse (be sure and view the videos) to make a donation to assist with relief efforts.

Again, I realize that Ike may be "old news" to journalist who's job it is to keep us current with NEW news, but the aftermath of Ike isn't over. Please prayerfully consider helping with relief efforts. Prayers are one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do as a believer. Thank you for this sacrifice.

In Him,
karen o in Texas