We are about 8 weeks away from Carl's 10th anniversary in Heaven. Though there is no greater place he could possibly be, he is sorely missed here on earth. I miss his long, tight bear hugs, his famous junk food cupboard, his attempt at loudly yodeling the Lovesick Blues along with Hank Williams on one of his favorite 8 track tapes, his card nights (even though he cheated!), his love for green beans and buttermilk cornbread, his appreciation for a great ice-cream cone on a muggy, Michigan, summer night, his warm southern hospitality that he brought to Michigan when he migrated north, his worn, yellow, leather work gloves in his pickup truck, his good ol' smile that made everyone know they were family and his well-loved holiday gatherings with an unending smorgasbord of food.
What better way to celebrate and honor him than to create a space for others to do what he absolutely loved to do....generously provide and thoroughly enjoy a meal and conversation around the table with others.
This dream to honor and celebrate my father and his legacy has been in my heart for over 9 years. Time has a way of passing all to quickly. How can it be? Yet, here we are.
Carl's Kitchen will officially open ten days from now on June 23, 2018. Here at the kitchen in Callao, Peru, 100 hungry children will have the opportunity to receive a hot meal in a safe environment and hear and experience the unfailing love of Jesus Christ every week.
Isaiah 58:10, says "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
Dad, may you be celebrated as we help to satisfy the needs of the oppressed in your honor and continue to do what you loved to do--help to feed the hungry. Your lasting legacy and light is shining in the darkness!
Dad, kiss the cheeks of Jesus for me!
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting Carl's Kitchen, you can give a tax deductible donation directly through Latin Equip Ministries.
Please be sure to specify “Carl’s Kitchen” on the drop down menu, “choose which fund to give to”. All gifts are tax-deductible.
XOXO,
Melissa
