Meanwhile, even after our planned delivery date to the farm-workers’ families in Mecca, my “undercover angels” continued to send in their handmade baby blankets. Today, I stopped by Emanuel House to make my delivery. I didn’t think to count the blankets and quilts for a final tally, but we delivered three huge bags of the most soft and beautiful blankets imaginable, also some practically brand new baby clothes and crib sheets. All so needed! We have had one of the most severe winters on record in our low desert — the highest rainfall in decades with nights still dipping below freezing. (Don’t let the sunny pictures below fool you. More rain is on the way!)

For all of you who worked on the blankets, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please continue your wonderful work for the winter of 2010-2011! I will be posting more information in the coming weeks, also some simple patterns that I’ve found a delight to work on, using a broomstick lace pin.

In the third photo below, I’m standing with my Franciscan sisters, Monessa and Kay. Sister Kay heads up the Mecca program, which distributes food and other essential items to up to 500 men, women, and children each week.

Check back soon. There’s a heartwarming story to come … and more photos of quilts made with a love that spans several decades! And in your prayers tonight, whisper a little prayer for the babies of Mecca who will be soon be wrapped in these gifts of love.

With all joy and peace …
Diane

Diane loading blankets and quilts for this morning's delivery.

Christ of the Desert

Sister Monessa, Diane, and Sister Kay