We just received word that Cummins has agreed to transport supplies from Indiana to Fort Lauderdale, to be flown into Jacmel - free of charge!
Tina Eisenhower and the Damou Christian Mission (www.damou.org) needs our help now!
Please print out the following shopping list of supplies and purchase what you are able to and bring them to Cottage Knits by Monday and we will get the items to First Christian Church;
 
Immediate Shopping List for Damou Christian Mission
(Please bring to First Christian by Tuesday, February 2 )
Thanks!
Canned meat: Large cans
*Cooking Oil: Bulk or large bottles
Mac and Cheese
Canned goods: beans, corn and other veggies
Pop Tarts for Rachel
Pancake mix
Syrup
Bacon
powder milk
Any type of evaporated products: potatoes for example
Spaghetti and sauce or any type of noddle and sauce. Try not to get glass jars.
*Toilet paper: (Always a must in Haiti)
Healthy Cereal (Special K, Honey bunches of Oats for example)
Breakfast bars
Water
 
*Baby Formula
Diapers
Baby food
Baby cloths (good condition)
Cloths for kids up to 6 years old (good condition)
Baby blankets (good condition)
*Baby beds (pack and go types)
Eating utensils, bowls, and plates
 
Blankets
Sheets for twin beds
Pillows (the ones that do not absorb sweat?)
Towels
Dish Towels
Hand soap (anti bacterial)
Bleach
Cleaning supplies (household)
plastic bowls
metal spoons
 
Tents (Pop-up and sleeping) in boxes
 
 
(*priority items) 

(knitted bears for my granddaughter Abilene
to take to her "friends" at Riley Children's Hospital when she goes for surgery.)

Julie's vision was just what I needed to focus on something positive in such a scary time for our family... we would keep it a secret from Katie and Matt and it would give them something uplifting to do while waiting for the surgery was taking place. Knitters rallied to knit these little creatures and soon we collected quite a good looking family... each with it's own personality.

 

We were told we probably had a couple of weeks until they would be needed... but have since learned the surgery is on hold... that we will "wait and see what Abilene can do". It seems like a miracle... we were bracing ourselves for the knowledge that our little baby Abilene would have surgery on her spinal cord and instead she is back in therapy with no restrictions, and she is learning to walk. Another MRI and more tests next month and we are hopeful that one day we will be told "she's just fine" and we'll tell the story and be amazed that she's just fine.

And the bears, they continue to accumulate here. It is so heart warming to know that with each bear comes good wishes and prayers for those who will receive them. Full circle.....we are all knitted together and the stories are endless...

 

Meeting Mr. Brown

I met Mr. Brown one afternoon when he came to Cottage Knits to offer his gratitude for the charity knitting that honors those with cancer. He had read the article in The Republic about Rachel Forster's Crochet for Cancer group that gathered here for months creating hats for cancer patients at Columbus Regional Hospital. I told him that Rachel deserved all the credit for that group. She did all of the work...she and a handful of faithful ladies who shared her vision for that project.

He told me his story...and i was touched by his willingness to share his plans for the time he had left...and for his plan to help others while he could. I sensed his keen business sense and focus to make a difference in the lives of others. He donated money to be used to contribute in whatever way we (Rachel and I) chose to continue charity contributions.

We chatted a bit and then as fast as he and his wife came in, they left. I sent him a note to thank him and asked his permission to share his story....and to be able to pass on to all of you how significant these gestures of your kindness and efforts mean to people we may never get the opportunity to meet. I did not hear back from him and so considered that was my answer and i should keep it to myself....that the lesson was for me alone.

Then one day, maybe 6 weeks later his wife stopped in and wanted to tell me that Mr. Brown was in hospice. I was surprised, as he had shared with me that he most likely had a year to live. She invited me to come to see him and told me that i could, in fact share our meeting with you.

Saturday afternoon i went reluctantly to see him. I felt more than a little out of place. After all, i had only met this man once and didn't know him. Yet i felt compelled to show my respect. What happened in the next hour could be written in a whole book...it was a unique experience that deserves more than a few sentences in a newsletter...but i need to convey to you this...we will never know how much kindness shown to a stranger will bless both...the giver and the receiver. My heart was blessed that day and in a strange way, i know that i was meant to be there...