They were all younger than me. They all had kids, most of them with babies at home still; and mine were all grown up as I began my true empty nesting years (read, no kids in college).
One thing we did know, was that we were all born-again Christians, and that bonded us together with a mutual love and respect that made nothing else matter.
We met monthly, to lift up each other's spirits, and walk away with a list of prayer requests. We saw God answer prayers, as houses sold, jobs changed, and kids grew up, and we knew that we were there for each other no matter what was happening at "the plant".
With a few bigger changes approaching our little group, and having met a few other "Poultry Wives" whose husbands work with other companies or in other phases of the industry, we thought it might meet a need by expanding to a broader community, to ALL women who are married to "missionaries in the poultry industry". So, *voila* here we are now, as the Poultry Prayer Warriors blog is born.
Not to dampen your spirits, but a few housekeeping rules:
1. Let's keep it real. I mean this in more than one way: real names or initials, real needs, real circumstances, real kindness. No bashing or ugliness, towards people or companies.
2. Let's NOT keep it real. No using company names, co-workers names, or any information that might put them at risk of being identified. We are grateful for the jobs our husbands have, and don't want to put anyone at risk of losing them!
3. The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. We wear big-girl panties, lets be nice. This isn't the place for gossip, secrets, or bashing. If you're a vegan, we love you, but your posts don't belong here, start your own blog.
If the rules aren't played nicely, we'll pull a plug. This site is meant to be a blessing, not a curse. We hope that it will encourage other women to know that they are not alone, waiting for their husbands to return from long hours and grueling work in the poultry industry.
What WOULD we like to see here:
1. Prayer requests. That's the thing that started it all! We believe in the power of prayer, and the way God transforms lives (and production numbers!). We have seen God at work in this place, and know that He has work to do in this industry!!
2. Let's be relational! We each know that it's highly likely we'll move in the course of our husband's careers, and someday we may end up being neighbors!! (another reason to "keep it real")
3. RECIPES!! :) What's a good blog without a few recipes??
I hope (and pray) that you'll subscribe to this blog, and participate in posting. If you have any questions, or would like prayer on a sensitive matter, please contact us privately. There will be a few of us kicking off the blogging, so it won't always be "my" voice you hear...but it will likely be "me" that responds via email.
Grace and peace to you...
Mrs M.
