Kindel Hunter - October 2022

I was surprised to find a “Road Blocked” sign a few months ago. It was on the backroad route my wife and I take between our home and the mission. I was disgruntled, thinking, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have come this way!” The bypass forced us onto a newly paved blacktop that wound for about 5 miles through woods, pasture, and old farmhouses. It was beautiful. In fact, although our old route has since reopened, we still take the longer way because it’s simply better.

Sometimes in life, we’re frustrated by forced deviations from what we view as optimal, only to discover the new route is simply better. Kindel discovered this when she fell short of being able to purchase the groceries she needed and was forced to consider other routes. Reluctantly, she found her way to our Mission Market where she can shop for the food she needs.

“It’s been great getting to know the women at Watered Gardens. They’ve always treated me just like I know they’d want to be treated and have shown such love—I don’t even know how to explain it. They have true servants’ hearts, and that’s helped me lower my guard about being prideful and not wanting to ask for help.

In just one night of shopping each month, I’m able to get two really big totes of food that I can use to cook lots of different meals and make up the difference in our grocery budget. But it’s also been really encouraging to work with the ladies on setting goals and finding ways to earn more.”

Kindel has a job and a house and, like many of us, simply didn’t foresee the coming rise in grocery prices. She didn’t qualify or want to apply for food stamps and feared feeling shame if she came to a charity for help. Thankfully, your support helped Kindel and many others find a unique route paved with real compassion and human dignity. I’m grateful.