Let Me Explain - Part 1
First, as someone with better writing skills than myself once said, forgive me for making this so long, as I didn’t have time to make it short.
So…
I believe something needs to be cleared up. Let me explain with some facts about the orchard.
First, the orchard has no phone line. There isn’t any line at all anywhere in the orchard.
Second the orchard does not have a printer.
Third the orchard does not have a computer.
Finally there is no internet at the orchard. And a hotspot just isn’t the same. And the barn blocks whatever signal strength you may get.
There is one person who takes care of all the sign up, printing of who signed up, and web site maintenance for the orchard. Since we need to be at the orchard by 7:30 in the morning. So the morning printing of people who have signed in begins a bit before 7 AM at their home.
This means if you sign up after about 6 in the morning there is a good chance your name won’t be on the check in sheet. So please, I encourage you to sign in as early as possible.
Now with that said, please don’t get upset with the people checking in. If you have signed up early enough your name will be on the check in sheet, they will mark you off on the sheet, and then tally up the count.
It would be a lot easier if everyone checked in. That way we wouldn’t even need the paper sheets. However, about 2/3 of the people in the orchard never bother or don’t even want to try to sign up. So we have no choice but to check to see if you have signed up, and if not, we have to do the paper thing. It’s a legal requirement for the IRS and FDA.
What does the electronic sign up do for us. Let me explain.
For instance, today we had 50 people who signed up for the morning shift. But 124 showed up. So a couple of things are occurring here. So that’s 70 we didn’t expect (but are happy you showed up), but far fewer than needed. So first, because the orchard manager really needs over 200 people per shift to get all the peaches picked he is concerned and starts work the local leaders to get more people in the orchard. Your stake leaders get stressed, the orchard manager gets stressed, and we don’t know how many boxes will be picked, or how many refridgerated trucks need to be ordered for the day (if the peaches don’t get in the trucks to stay cold, you might as well toss them). Also since there are a limited number of service missionaries, it would be good to keep them healthy. Our schedule is somewhat dependent on how many volunteers we can count on. While you see us parking cars, driving you around to where the fruit is, and helping with questions there is still a lot that needs to be done before and after you leave. The orchard needs to be watered. This starts at 6 in the morning. And yes someone is there each day cleaning filters, repairing broken heads, checking pumps, and other items that need to be done with the irrigation. We mow the grass between the rows of trees each week. I don’t know how many rows that is, but it’s about 24 acres. That happens almost everyday before or after the you leave. There is also the all the maintenance of tractors, Kubotas, trailers, and four wheelers that also must be done daily. The list is long. I won’t even go into what improvements are being done inside the barn.
This orchard is a special place. Sometimes it’s a crazy place. But it is God’s orchard and it’s here for a purpose. There is a shared feeling of purpose and brotherhood here. Of ownership for our actions and being able to see what as a group we have done to help the orchard grow, thrive, and improve. Believe me, there are several missionaries here who have served 5, 6, 7, and 8 years. We have more metal in our hips and knees as well as other problems than should be legally allowed. It is by God’s Grace many of us function as well as we do, but you won’t hear anyone complain. There are daily tender mercies here.
So if you happen to have signed in late and your name doesn’t appear on the list, we only ask for your service and understanding. We appreciate and honor your time and service.
Thanks.