(from August Newsletter)
To say that Summer 2020 did not look as we expected it to look would be a massive understatement. We find solace in the fact that you are likely right there with us as this has been true of any of our plans made during Covid-19. Even still individuals and organizations have found ways to move forward. The Blueprint staff powered forward because needs don't cease during a pandemic, they only change or grow more dire.
Our summer was equal parts challenging and rewarding. As we tended to the needs of our homeowners, we found that God paved our way and prepared us. Some needs, i.e. roofing and construction, just needed alteration to our traditional means of operating. While other needs were new and we had to cultivate new ways to serve. There was still much joy in serving our neighbors and it was evident that God equipped us to do His work. Take a glimpse at some of the ways we were able to bring "heaven to Earth" here in San Antonio.
Top to bottom, clockwise: Be A Champion food sorting, basket delivery (donated by Carvajal Pharmacy), visiting Ms. Sandy, basket donation, visiting Ms. Irma
Homeowners
For our homeowners whose children and grandchildren relied on school lunch, food insecurity presented itself as a new issue. Right on time, we were offered a partnership with Be A Champion. Through their collaboration with Texas Department of Agriculture, BAC helped us feed 15 families over 5 weeks of meal service. We were calling our homeowners frequently to make sure that their physical needs were met as many were not able to go to grocery stores. Right on time, our friends at Carvajal Pharmacy donated gift baskets that blessed close to 30 homeowners. We knew that it would be challenging to see our homeowners but we made due with visits on the porch, at a distance. While there has been joy, there has also been sorrow. Recently we lost a dear friend to the ministry, Mr. Arthur, but even his story became redemptive! At services following his passing, Doug met one of Arthur's family members who had delivered food through Be A Champion earlier in the summer. He was pleased to see someone from Blueprint at the service! God truly works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).
Top to bottom, clockwise: Hope Church volunteers climb a ladder, Ares and George remove shingles, team (minus Chris) poses for a photo op, Ms. Belinda's window before and after
Construction
Our full-time staff welcomed former summer staff Jorge Campos and Chris Lawler to complete construction. This team completed 11 roofs despite weather delays and extreme heat. As we adapted to not having camps, the plan was to invite small groups of volunteers from local churches to partner in the construction work. As you may know, even that plan was altered! We did get to host Hope Church for one week of construction, but had to continue working without volunteers as a surge of Covid-19 cases swelled in the middle of the summer.
During bad weather and between roofs, this team has come up with a plan to salvage and reconstruct our bunk beds in the dorm rooms and even repaired a window at the home of one the homeowners whose roof was replaced earlier in the summer.
Nothing can stop this small but mighty crew.
Camps
While we are certainly sad that we missed all of our wonderful church partners & campers who were unable to serve with us this summer, we are so thankful for the many calls, texts encouragements and prayers from those who love Blueprint. We were spurred on by your love and care for this ministry! We are actively planning for the day when we can be together again and making homes in San Antonio healthier, safer, and drier with you. Keep an eye out for 2021 Dates and Registration to open towards the end of the month.
