Oodle doodle, what? What on earth is that? Janice said we had an “oodle doodle.” Is that some kind of noodle soup we’re packaging?
I later learned it was the term the production team at Christ Kitchen used for a perfect weight for their finished food packet. This term isn’t the only new thing I learned while working here as a volunteer.
The women who show up for employment are survivors of back stories filled with abuse, drug addiction, or abandonment. Christ Kitchen offers honest and reliable labor in a Christian atmosphere. These women work alongside volunteers to produce dried soup mixes and bakery packages which are sold in the stores, online or at the Kitchen.
Jan Martinez started Christ Kitchen 20 years ago when she saw the need for Christ in these women’s lives. They signed up for Bible studies but wouldn’t come, until she found a way to pay them by making food packets.
Now, every Thursday morning, several dozen women arrive around 8:15 AM to work. We start with a Bible study Jan leads, focused on some practical subject. This could be women in the Bible or a focus on forgiveness that gives them a lot to ponder and discuss.
Then we get to work. Many of the women seal, label or decorate the packets. I head back to the kitchen, wash my hands and don my apron, latex gloves and “lovely” hairnet. My appearance often doesn’t improve at the end of the day, especially on times where we use flour. I come out looking like the abominable snowman!
“We are making lemon cookies today. Our goal is 400 packages.” Jan tells us. After elbow to elbow prayer (to avoid holding rubber-gloved hands), we begin. I take my usual spot against the wall, placing a level spoonful of soda, lemon flavoring and quarter teaspoon salt, which follows the flour. We stand around the assembly line, doing our part, telling corny jokes and making our typical comments.
A certain rhythm develops and our line works like a well-oiled machine. Just to keep us humble, however, a rare cry of alarm comes from a lady down line, “Man down!” This means that a bag dropped on the floor, which needs to be discarded and the count adjusted. Linda calls out, “Melba, don’t forget to ‘plop’ the package bottom so it will stand.” A short chorus of “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is €¦” ensues as the jovial mood carries on.
“How’s your grandson doing?” Robin asks Carol while making an order of box lunches on the next counter over. “He’s doing great,” Carol answers, while she fills another bag with flour. “He really enjoyed your granddaughter’s birthday party.”
“We’re getting low on sugar,” I cry out to Linda. She soon returns with an enormous bag of the sweet crystals. Several of the women assist her to refill the bin.
“How are we doing on numbers, Carol?” inquires Linda.
“We just got into the second package of one-hundred,” she announces.
“Whoop, whoop!” Melba shouts, as we cheer. “We’ll make close to our goal today for sure.”
Discussions ebb and flow between workers and volunteers on kids, songs, or good deals on shoes at the mall. Sometimes we just sing along with the songs on Christian radio. When new women join the group, we get to know them and make them feel a part of the family.
We’re relieved to know a church group has arrived to serve us a yummy lunch. I’m personally delighted just to sit down. We enjoy our meal and conversations. Jan starts gathering prayer requests from each person and then we go to the Lord with our prayers.
Sometimes graduates return for a visit and share their joy about a new job, place to live or some other success. The women praise and show their support for their sister in Christ.
I leave tired but happy with my volunteer role and the fellowship with new friends. Christ has once again been found in His kitchen bringing love, acceptance and honest work to His daughters there.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
