Please do not forward or post without Glocal's permission.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Work teams 2021! We pruned grapes, dug drainage holes, laid down compost & mulch and hauled rock. Thank you volunteers and gardeners!
Glocalis coming out of the Covid-19 shut down like most of the U.S. As of June/July Glocal staff has resumed most of our programs in person. Laura finished the English class year with a park picnic before summer break. Michelle and True Hope Church hosted an in person baby shower in June. First one in over a year! Nick and Laura were able to lead several trainings and a community dinner with mixed groups (New Americans, Americans) that had met virtually all year. Berna hosted a thank you dinner for our donation delivery teams. Nancy and John were able to visit churches and organize a yard sale to raise support for Glocal. I must admit I had a huge grin on my face at the events I attended! Just so excited to see familiar faces.
Deliveries of furniture and household goods have been slow as we receive few refugee families. The number of refugees allowed into the U.S. (presidential determination) has been set at 63,500 as of May 2021, which is up from 15,000 the previous year. Please pray for the infrastructure that processes refugees to be restored to its normal efficiency! Also pray for affordable housing options for arriving families. It is very challenging to find in the current market!
Bottom right: June- 'Welcome to the Garden' Potluck at FCBC location
TheCommunity Gardensare in full swing and crops are growing fast with this heat! My prayer this year has been that God will do a new thing in the gardens, especially to deepen relationships (Isaiah 43:19). There is answered prayer already. I have several new volunteers giving much needed weekly help! In partnership with Faith Community Bible Church (FCBC), we opened another community garden on-site with 6 family plots. I had a waitlist of 17 applicants in early spring, so it was much needed! We had a lovely ‘Welcome to the Garden’ potluck with this group last month. The interactions and conversations between gardeners and volunteers have been beautiful!
At the Cole Community Church (CCC) location, we had several work teams with gardeners and churches to control weeds and improve drainage. Thank you to Rev 22 and Forge Harbor (MAF teens) for the hard work! The CCC garden is so big that problems with water leaks are more common. I have come to the realization that I need more help. Therefore, I have trained two gardeners to check for water leaks and communicate with me to get them repaired quickly! They are doing a great job. Also a huge thank you to my faithful returning volunteers! Especially Perry, Murray, and Mark for the technical knowledge and manpower for irrigation repair/improvements.
Check this out! Gardener interviews that were part of our February fundraiser. Once you select the above link scroll to the middle of the page to watch the short videos.
On apersonal note, I have been working with Glocal almost full time for a year. Joined as a part-time staff in 2017, full-time 2020. I sometimes still cannot believe the opportunity I have to do this work! I still enjoy the challenges and joys it brings. I continue to work part-time at a local indoor plant shop. I have been so thankful for the great schedule and flexibility so I can plan Glocal events/work. Thank you to my supporters for your donations, prayers, and volunteer hours. You have helped me meet my salary needs of $800/month. I do expect some health insurance cost increases, so my need will be $900/month. If you would like to support the work I do please consider donating. Click on 'Give to Carolyn Langley Support' in the drop down menu. If you would like to volunteer with Glocal click 'Glocal Get Involved' below.
