Making My Work a Ministry Also

This "part time" job of mine has been such a big blessing to our family and I've been praying and thinking of ways I can give back.  I was thinking of how I love to donate my rosaries to various Catholic school silent auctions and other Catholic organizations' silent auctions and how maybe I could do more of that.  It was right around this time that I got an email from someone who asked if I sold individual beads.  I do not sell individual beads, I told her.  She then emails back and says she didn't think so, but she thought she'd ask since my bead meaning for the wheat bead has the same meaning as TEC retreat meanings.  She leads teen TEC's in Kansas and was looking to make some key chains for the teens on the retreat. 

The timing was too perfect. My sister and brother just made a TEC in Minnesota not more than two weeks prior.  I have also made a TEC many years ago and know the blessing it is. (here is a website about TEC.   I don't know if it's the same location as this one in Kansans. I know Minnesota has a different website for their TEC retreats, but it will give you an idea of what the retreats are about.)

I decided to email her back and tell her I'd donate the beads.  The response from the tecites and family members of the tecites has been so heart warming.  (and very undeserved!) Here is an email from one of the moms who thanked me:

Dear Sarah,
My son spent this last weekend at a TEC Retreat, and may have had a life-changing experience. I am told that your "Wheat" beads used for his gift on welcoming him to the TEC Family were made possible by your charity. I would like to say, "Thank you!"
Your actions told my son that he was a part of another "family" and was cared for by those whom he's never met. My husband and I were touched by the entire story and our family assures you our prayers for your kindness- which is in abundance because [my son] has 7 brothers and sisters!
I'd like to take my time to peruse through your website before ordering, but I promise to place one soon.
Again, thank you for your generosity!!!
In Christ~ A.