Saturday morning means sleeping a bit longer! Ed and Kitty K were wondering when the "breakfast man" was going to arrive to prepare what they'd heard would be a fabulous feast. All were eager to eat. Daryl was wondering where the guests were! He was up in the "big kitchen" and the guests and overnight hosts were patiently waiting (pacing) on the first floor where the "small kitchen" is located! Uh-oh the new coordinating team erred in not finding out where breakfast was served. But once breakfast began all who'd been waiting were thrilled. Daryl always does a fabulous job and this was no exception. He had grits, sausage and made special order eggs for each person. Wonderful way to begin the day. Thanks Daryl for feeding us well--and next time we will know where to find you!
Bill drove the van again and everyone went to the Day Center. Erik picked everyone up again and was there to welcome the evening hosts Susan and son Will. Bob and Nancy provided food again and
it was another delicious meal. Chicken casserole, special rice, and a wonderful pear crisp!
Michael enjoyed competing with Will in a game in the Pit. Will reported that he lost but enjoyed it a lot. Baby Brandon was, as always, a special attraction. Susan and Will left a lovely note for the guests to be given the next morning--saying how much they enjoyed being with them. What a thoughtful gesture which was very much appreciated.
The overnight hosts were Madeline and the Mayor! They both reported sleeping well. That can be vouched for by the set-up crew who arrived at 7:00 am Sunday and found everything dark. Good sleeping is good for everyone! Erik drove the van again and delivered Kewanna and Brandon to the Day Center. Ken, Kristine and Michael went in their own car. Austin and Amanda are no longer with us.
The take-down crew was terrific and when the truck arrived everything was waiting and loaded in no time! Alicia, John, Katherine, Sarah, Mac, Steven, Madeline, Erik, Carmen, Kitty and Denise got the Sunday School rooms ready for Misse's inspection and she pronounced them "just right". Yippee. Katherine, Sarah, Mac & Steven were like "energizer bunnies" & were a HUGE help! Carmen remembered what had come on the IHN truck and what belonged to FPC. It took everyone to make the take-down go smoothly!
We inventoried the "linen shelves" and put like items together--as we began to think of our June 2-9 host week.
At 1:00 pm Maggie and Kitty went to the Day Center for the afternoon. It was very quiet and we brainstormed about some things that would be useful to have for future host weeks in each room, such as bedside tables and quilt racks to hang wet towels.
About 4:40 Sherri came from First Baptist to gather the guests to move across the street. Our week is over, and the new Coordinating Team learned a lot. We enjoyed being with our guests and of course could not have done it without the volunteers. We also appreciate the help of Iris, service coordinator at IHN. Thanks and blessings to one and all.
SAVE THE DATE--Next host week is June 2 - 9, 2013!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
IHN Friday March 22, 2013
Arlene and Steve got everyone going and Madeline checked car seats in the van, made sure all were buckled up and Friday was off to a good on-time start.
Erik drove the van for the afternoon and opened the church for the Simmons to host the evening. Rhea and Jess brought a delicious pork roast, with all the trimmings including yummy sweet potatoes. Our members know how to cook!
Ken, Kristine & Michael had dinner with family. Unfortunately Ken was sick...hope he's much better today. They were back at the church for a quiet evening. Ed and Kitty reported they slept really well. Tonight everyone gets to sleep a little longer since tomorrow is Saturday.
Erik drove the van for the afternoon and opened the church for the Simmons to host the evening. Rhea and Jess brought a delicious pork roast, with all the trimmings including yummy sweet potatoes. Our members know how to cook!
Ken, Kristine & Michael had dinner with family. Unfortunately Ken was sick...hope he's much better today. They were back at the church for a quiet evening. Ed and Kitty reported they slept really well. Tonight everyone gets to sleep a little longer since tomorrow is Saturday.
Friday, March 22, 2013
IHN Thursday, March 21, 2013
Bill had quite a surprise Thursday morning when he arrived to drive the van, and it was missing! He found it right across the street, the only place to park on Wed evening. He then found that though the key would go in, it wouldn't start the van--nor could he get the key out. Not a great way to start the key. But it's hard to get the best of Bill. He & Erik got it started and Bill never lost his smile I am sure.
Kitty opened up in the afternoon. We had guests from Congregation Children of Israel who are considering joining the Interfaith Hospitality Network. They were at First Pres. to see how a host evening comes together, and to talk with guests and volunteers. We wanted them to feel right at home, so Kitty put the ones who arrived a bit early to work, helping re-set the volunteer overnight room and setting the tables; one was more than happy to cuddle a baby so the Amanda and Austin could enjoy dinner.
Tom delivered the guests for the second night in a room...we appreciate volunteers who do double duty! There were several of those tonight. Jess arrived to be an evening host, and she will bring part of the dinner Friday night. Nancy brought a salad for dinner and she and Bob will prepare the meal on Sunday night.
Brita and Carol were the other evening hosts--and there was plenty for three to do. We had 17 for dinner of pot roast and vegetables, the salad, Terry's bread and Fran's yummy lemon squares and brownies with marshmallows. Rabbi Linder blessed the food and all enjoyed the meal. There were lots of dishes to clean (thankful for the dishwasher), and when Judy arrived on Friday morning she said the kitchen was sparkling! Carol was late eating because she wasn't ready to part with Brandon, and Kewanna ate her meal while Carol was happily cooing at the baby.
Austin's ear ache is a little better, he is taking meds. The Michael & Kristine enjoyed playing games in the Pit. Arlene and Steve spent the night and watched over things so the guests could have a good night's sleep (as did Arlene & Steve).
A good day with considerate guests, wonderful volunteers, great new friends from CCI and IHN staff Ken and Iris and Board Member Roger joining us for dinner. Everyone has been enjoying the flower arrangements made by Judy and Carol, a very special touch. Many are our blessings.
Kitty opened up in the afternoon. We had guests from Congregation Children of Israel who are considering joining the Interfaith Hospitality Network. They were at First Pres. to see how a host evening comes together, and to talk with guests and volunteers. We wanted them to feel right at home, so Kitty put the ones who arrived a bit early to work, helping re-set the volunteer overnight room and setting the tables; one was more than happy to cuddle a baby so the Amanda and Austin could enjoy dinner.
Tom delivered the guests for the second night in a room...we appreciate volunteers who do double duty! There were several of those tonight. Jess arrived to be an evening host, and she will bring part of the dinner Friday night. Nancy brought a salad for dinner and she and Bob will prepare the meal on Sunday night.
Brita and Carol were the other evening hosts--and there was plenty for three to do. We had 17 for dinner of pot roast and vegetables, the salad, Terry's bread and Fran's yummy lemon squares and brownies with marshmallows. Rabbi Linder blessed the food and all enjoyed the meal. There were lots of dishes to clean (thankful for the dishwasher), and when Judy arrived on Friday morning she said the kitchen was sparkling! Carol was late eating because she wasn't ready to part with Brandon, and Kewanna ate her meal while Carol was happily cooing at the baby.
Austin's ear ache is a little better, he is taking meds. The Michael & Kristine enjoyed playing games in the Pit. Arlene and Steve spent the night and watched over things so the guests could have a good night's sleep (as did Arlene & Steve).
A good day with considerate guests, wonderful volunteers, great new friends from CCI and IHN staff Ken and Iris and Board Member Roger joining us for dinner. Everyone has been enjoying the flower arrangements made by Judy and Carol, a very special touch. Many are our blessings.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
IHN Wednesday March 20, 2013
Chuck arrived bright and early to drive the van. Austin was slow getting going this morning, but all were taken to where they needed to be. Austin didn't feel well and the IHN staff got him to the Nurses Clinic and then got meds for him. Hope he feels much better soon! Keep him in your prayers.
Michael is enrolled at Clarke middle and Kristine begins at Clarke Central on Friday. It is hard to be a teenager and change towns and schools--prayers for them too.
Susan opened up and got the volunteer room ready. Tom arrived with the guests and there was no room in the parking lot for the van, but he got a place just across the street. Wednesday evenings are busy at First Pres. Carla and Carl were the evening hosts and went with all the guests upstairs for the Wednesday night supper--always a good meal, then had a quiet evening.
Amanda and baby Zachery, Kristine & Michael enjoyed listening to the choir rehearse with the organ in the sanctuary--a bonus for Wednesday night!
After choir rehearsal finished, Sara and John came down to spend the night and reported that the "new mattresses are great"!
Thanks to Ethelyn there was food for breakfast and to make lunches. What wonderful volunteers we have! And three very nice families.
Michael is enrolled at Clarke middle and Kristine begins at Clarke Central on Friday. It is hard to be a teenager and change towns and schools--prayers for them too.
Susan opened up and got the volunteer room ready. Tom arrived with the guests and there was no room in the parking lot for the van, but he got a place just across the street. Wednesday evenings are busy at First Pres. Carla and Carl were the evening hosts and went with all the guests upstairs for the Wednesday night supper--always a good meal, then had a quiet evening.
Amanda and baby Zachery, Kristine & Michael enjoyed listening to the choir rehearse with the organ in the sanctuary--a bonus for Wednesday night!
After choir rehearsal finished, Sara and John came down to spend the night and reported that the "new mattresses are great"!
Thanks to Ethelyn there was food for breakfast and to make lunches. What wonderful volunteers we have! And three very nice families.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
IHN Tuesday March 19, 2013
Erik got Tuesday off to a good start by driving the van and getting all the guests to the right place, and himself to work.
Another good IHN evening at First Presbyterian. Terry was there to open up and welcome the volunteers. He also got the overnight host room ready by moving week day school things out, & IHN things back into the room & putting clean sheets on the beds. He says you can flip a coin on the sheets when he is finished--some sort of military thing, myself I'm just happy if the mattress is covered.
Rick brought two families & their adorable babies to the church in the van. Ken has a car and arrived with his children right on time. Diane brought a yummy meal with ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls--and carrot cake! The guests often say First Pres has the best food!
John and Margaret were the genial evening hosts and handed off to Lynn and Happy for the night.
Thanks to one and all who gave their time--and kept everything going "smooth as silk" as Terry reported.
Another good IHN evening at First Presbyterian. Terry was there to open up and welcome the volunteers. He also got the overnight host room ready by moving week day school things out, & IHN things back into the room & putting clean sheets on the beds. He says you can flip a coin on the sheets when he is finished--some sort of military thing, myself I'm just happy if the mattress is covered.
Rick brought two families & their adorable babies to the church in the van. Ken has a car and arrived with his children right on time. Diane brought a yummy meal with ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls--and carrot cake! The guests often say First Pres has the best food!
John and Margaret were the genial evening hosts and handed off to Lynn and Happy for the night.
Thanks to one and all who gave their time--and kept everything going "smooth as silk" as Terry reported.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
IHN Monday March 18, 2013
Monday was another good IHN evening at First Pres. Denise was there to open up. Leita (who thankfully is well!) brought a delicious dinner of ham, corn pudding, black eyed peas, fruit, pound cake with ice cream, which was enjoyed by all.
Tanna and Steve were the evening hosts and managed to find soap for the shower, which Kitty forgot to have on hand :( and take care of everything.
Our third family arrived & we are happy to have them with us.
All were in bed early. Mary and Bob spent the night and this morning moved the host room beds and medicine cabinet out and the Weekday school table back into that room. We are getting good use of our lovely facility!
Ethelyn, our faithful food coordinator has spoken with the three families about their food preferences. She has brought a bountiful supply of breakfast food, milk, juice & snacks for lunch sacks and will check on supplies during the week. Thanks Ethelyn for taking care of this big job so graciously and well!
We are blessed with wonderful volunteers and very nice guests. God is good.
Tanna and Steve were the evening hosts and managed to find soap for the shower, which Kitty forgot to have on hand :( and take care of everything.
Our third family arrived & we are happy to have them with us.
All were in bed early. Mary and Bob spent the night and this morning moved the host room beds and medicine cabinet out and the Weekday school table back into that room. We are getting good use of our lovely facility!
Ethelyn, our faithful food coordinator has spoken with the three families about their food preferences. She has brought a bountiful supply of breakfast food, milk, juice & snacks for lunch sacks and will check on supplies during the week. Thanks Ethelyn for taking care of this big job so graciously and well!
We are blessed with wonderful volunteers and very nice guests. God is good.
Monday, March 18, 2013
IHN Sunday March 17, 2013 Set Up
An eager crew was in the IHN host area (aka Children's Ministry Suite) with not a clue what to do--until Roger arrived! When the truck arrived with beds and things Gail, Carmen, Jim, Denise, Kitty and experienced Roger got to work and before long every floor was swept, bed was made, tables set up, lamps plugged it, baby equipment put in place and all was well.
It went quickly because some wonderful person -- Misse more than likely--had stored the things from the computer and Sunday School rooms. It made our job easy. We hope our guests will be comfortable and feel truly at home this week!
During the mornings we share the volunteer room of this space with the Weekday School and appreciate their patience when they find things not exactly in the right place in the morning. We especially appreciate being able to make the rockers from the nursery available to the parents of the sweet babies who will be with us this week.
Our spend the night hosts move the beds out each morning (except Saturday) & the medicine cabinet is put facing the hall wall so little ones won't be curious and open. They put the little table back in the room all ready for the Weekday school to work their magic!
It went quickly because some wonderful person -- Misse more than likely--had stored the things from the computer and Sunday School rooms. It made our job easy. We hope our guests will be comfortable and feel truly at home this week!
During the mornings we share the volunteer room of this space with the Weekday School and appreciate their patience when they find things not exactly in the right place in the morning. We especially appreciate being able to make the rockers from the nursery available to the parents of the sweet babies who will be with us this week.
Our spend the night hosts move the beds out each morning (except Saturday) & the medicine cabinet is put facing the hall wall so little ones won't be curious and open. They put the little table back in the room all ready for the Weekday school to work their magic!
IHN Monday March 18, 2013
Julie drove the van this morning and got everyone to the correct place. She also donated a much needed lamp with shade for the volunteer host room. We had a lamp, and a shade--but they didn't work together! Thanks Julie.
I hope I've added the calendar to this blog--we'll see. Wish I had Rick's computer ability!
CHECK CALENDAR HERE
IHN Volunteer Calendar
I hope I've added the calendar to this blog--we'll see. Wish I had Rick's computer ability!
CHECK CALENDAR HERE
IHN Volunteer Calendar
IHN Sunday March 17 2013
Our first evening of our first host week in 2013--the first for the new coordinating team. We have big shoes to fill with Sheila & Bob's good work.
Two really nice families tonight. Two precious babies--9 week old Zackery and 4 month old Brandon.
Judy and Julie provided a wonderful meal, barbeque chicken and good sides with yummy frosted chocolate brownies.
Judy and Jim were the gracious evening hosts. It was a gorgeous day and evening.
Julie and Hugh spent the night. A good, quiet evening.
Two really nice families tonight. Two precious babies--9 week old Zackery and 4 month old Brandon.
Judy and Julie provided a wonderful meal, barbeque chicken and good sides with yummy frosted chocolate brownies.
Judy and Jim were the gracious evening hosts. It was a gorgeous day and evening.
Julie and Hugh spent the night. A good, quiet evening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)