Welfare Square

Last night I went with my Aunts' ward to Welfare Square in downtown Salt Lake. It is the "hub" of the humanitarian service that the church does. We toured the bishops' storehouse, Deseret Industries, LDS employment agency, Welfare Cannery, and a bakery and dairy. It was amazing! I am so glad to be part of such a great organization that is so willing to serve others, no matter what their race or religion may be. Something that really touched me was that the church produces this type of formula for people in Ethiopia called Atmit. It helps people get the nourishment they need because solid food does not do well in their malnourished bodies. Most food goes in and right out, if you know what I mean. This formula helps thousands of people. The sister missionaries who gave us the tour showed us a picture of a little girl who was past the point of starvation (bloated belly and you could see every rib) and after six months of being on Atmit was able to actually gain weight and look healthy. It was very touching!

The dairy was neat, we had our tour late enough that they had stopped production for the day. Wedid get to sample some chocolate milk and cheddar cheese, nummy!! This summer I am going to take the boys there so they can see how milk is bottled and how cheese is made, I think they will like that!

I am so thankful for the country I live in and the opportunities that we have living here. I am glad that my family has been blessed and that we do not suffer from starvation or any other ailments. I am most of all thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that blesses so many lives and gives so abundantly to others.

I highly recommend visiting Welfare Square if you ever come to Salt Lake for a visit, it's very neat!