Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sunday, November 10, 2013

The last day of our host week  dawned early.  David and Bruce had gotten everyone stirring.  When I arrived at the church all the families had gotten their belongings outside their door for the truck.  They stripped the beds and put the linens in a big pile.  They folded their beds, and each Mom swept her room.

The overnight hosts--great guys that they are--helped roll beds to the hallway and move bins.  The take down crew of Kitty L,  Carmen, Alicia, John, Katherine, Sarah, Mac, Steven and Ed were busy bees getting everything done with time to spare.

Erik was the Van driver and he took Crystal to work, along with her children,  then went to the Day Center with everyone else.

Denise can't get away from her IHN Coordinating job--she woke up this morning, in Austin TX on central time,  to a call from the person who was staying at the Day Center (paid by FPC) saying her ride had cancelled.  Denise relayed the message to Athens--and Ed to the rescue.  The young woman was in a UGa dorm, and he picked her up in his sporty silver convertible and took her to the Day Center.  She was very grateful to Ed--as was Erik who was waiting for her arrival!!  What a great team we have.

The truck driver came as we were beginning to get antsy and everything was back in order for Sunday School.  He tried the "Bergeman Method" and parked at the ramp.  John and his kids who did the loading pronounced it better than bumping up and down the steps.  Thanks for the great idea Carl.

Everything that belongs to First Pres (sheets, pillows, mattress covers, blankets, etc) was moved back to the IHN storage spot "Under the Porch" to rest for several weeks until called back into service.
The dishwasher was emptied of clean dishes, and four -- LARGE bags of laundry were put into the small kitchen with the names of the Sunday laundry do-ere:  Sarah, Marie, Zanne and Debbie.  They will be returned in a week or so clean and ready to be used again during our next host week.

Thanks to all 76 people and the 6 IHN Coordinators who made this  week go well.  Our guests were pleasant, grateful and well tended.  We are blessed to have  had time to interact with them.

A couple of things happened that I didn't know about until today:
--Denise said  "On Thursday night two year old Melissa serenaded everyone at dinner with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and the ABC song.  While it could be a bit difficult to understand, Melissa let everyone know when the song ended by clapping enthusiastically and saying 'Yeah!'  It was very cute."

--Rick reported that when he had everyone in the Van ready to return to the church on Friday evening, that the UGa Homecoming Parade had all the streets blocked off to traffic.  But Rick doesn't take no for an answer--he explained to the very nice police officer that he had nine people, including very young children and there was no way they could walk six blocks.  The officer let him pass and Rick parked the Van in the FPC parking lot!  Then he walked back to First Baptist for his car.  Way to persist Rick!

At 1:00 pm our faithful Day Center volunteers Maggie and Virginia arrived and stayed until 5:00 when the log book and all the guests are passed into the good hands of the IHN coordinator at First Baptist. It's just a short walk across the street from the Day Center.

Speaking of First Baptist--kudos to them for taking over the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen when Oconee Street Methodist burned.  The crowd has increased, and they began as the temporary home,
but recently made it a permanent move.  If you know people at First Baptist please give them loud praise for their good work in this and so many ways.

Keep the IHN families in your prayers.  Crystal and her family's time is drawing to a close in early December and they are in need of affordable housing in a safe place.  These three Mothers are working hard to move into their own place and your prayers are greatly needed.

Til our first Host Week of 2014...thanks for ALL you do for IHN!

Saturday, November 9, 2013

I (Kitty) am the Sat Van driver and arrived at First Presbyterian to find the "parking volunteers" for FPC Youth choir already at work for Game Day, though few takers so early.

Inside Brian had gently awakened everyone.  I'm sure all were glad to sleep a bit extra, as each week-day morning everyone left on the Van at 6:45.  Saturday is a treat for not only sleeping late, but having a fabulous breakfast.

Daryl Magrino, superb chef that he is had outdone himself.  He had plates of bacon, sausage, a pot of grits and a beautiful fruit plate as well as juice and biscuits.  Plus each person got to order their eggs just the way they wanted them--with cheese, or not--scrambled, fried or an omelette.   What a treat.

We all sat around the tables and had a leisurely, wonderful breakfast.  Too soon it was time to head to the Day Center.  I (Kitty) was the Van driver and I was anxious about getting a place to park the van in its usual lot at First Baptist.  It has a parking pass for game day--as long as there is still a spot.
No trouble this morning.

In fact there was time to take Crystal, Yemisi and Josiah to their Seventh Day Adventist Church and get back to First Baptist with most all the places still open.  The attendant insisted that I couldn't park there on game day--even with the pass.  Since there was no good option, I insisted right back that we could.  She called her supervisor who told me it was just fine.  The only stipulation was that I had to park "in the middle" not around the edges where they had cones.  That was fine with me.

Jill asked me to look for Christopher's phone when I went back to First Pres.  I found it right on a table, which made Jill's day!

Speaking of days--today is Ethan's 12th BIRTHDAY!  We have a cake for tonight, and Ethelyn will bring ice cream with dinner.  Next year at this time he will be a teenager...

I picked up Christina, Dorothy and Melissa and Jill, Christopher and Ethan and we went to First Pres.   Christina's Mother was visiting which was so nice, and Dorothy hated to leave her behind--she spilled a lot of tears and wailed loudly on the short ride to the church, but calmed down after we arrived.  Chrystal and family will be brought to FPC by their church.

Ethelyn brought a huge meal!  There was a large platter of chicken strips, which were very popular!  And pizzas--2 cheese, 1 meat and 1 vegetarian.  There was plenty for dinner and enough left over for Sunday lunch!

She also brought 3 kinds of ice cream.  We had a chocolate cake with 'Happy Birthday Ethan' on it.  Jill arranged the 12 candles,  Chris lit them--and after Yemesi turned out all the lights--wheeled the cake and ice creams into the room with singing for Ethan.  He was surprised and seemed pleased.  Everyone enjoyed his cake (except Josiah who is allergic to eggs--however Ethelyn had made sure he had egg-less ice cream!)

It was a festive evening with Ben and Molly as hosts and their 2 year old Crawford as junior host!
Before they left Ben closed the under-the-church garage gate, after the very last game day parker had left.

David and Bruce were there for the overnight and it went well.  Nothing happened--which is always good.





Saturday, November 9, 2013

IHN, Friday November 8, 2013

Overnight hosts Lynn and Madeline got the guests up...it is hard on a chilly morning to get out of a warm bed--but duty calls.

Jim is Friday's genial Van driver and everyone is taken to school and work.

Lynn and Madeline move furniture, tidy up and finish their overnight hosting.

Rick picks up Moms and children and returns everyone to the church just like clockwork.

Susan is the On Site / On Call Coordinator and she was surprised to find the UGa Homecoming Parade on Dougherty Street!  Go Dawgs!   She reset the room and was there to greet the overnight hosts Paige, Robert and children.

Jeannie and Sarah brought a delicious meal of: beef in gravy,  rice with vegetables, 2 other vegetable dishes, a salad and pies--one apple & one lemon meringue!  Everyone enjoyed all of it very much.

Brian, Tara, Ryan and Hannon were the Overnight Hosts.  Tara quarantined herself as she had a bad case of pinkeye.  Bless her for even coming.

Good day--quiet night.  All is well.


Friday, November 8, 2013

IHN, Thursday November 7, 2013

Wednesday Overnight hosts Sara and John roused all the guests, so they could get on the Van in time to make the rounds.  Then they moved the bed and the rest of the IHN things out of the volunteer bedroom.  There is now a photo as to how the room is to be re-set.  We appreciate the patience of the Weekday school staff as we learn what goes where!

Richard arrived in time to leave with the Van at 6:45, so no one is late to work or school.  He made the rather complicated route and the day begins.

Denise was both the On Site/On Call Coordinator and the afternoon Van driver.  She went by the church in the afternoon and got the furniture back in the volunteer room, and changed the sheets.
Then she made the pick ups at the Day Center and Bright Beginnings and took everyone back to the church.

Everyone that is except Jill, Christopher and Ethan.  Christopher had a drawing hung in the gallery at the Lamar Dodd School of Art and the opening of the show was tonight.  They went, along with other Clarke County Middle School Students and Parents to see the good work the students had done.  I went by the Art School and spoke to the CCMS Art teacher and he said what a pleasure it was to work with Christopher.  Christopher started an Art Club at the school--that's a great thing! Having a piece exhibited is something to celebrate.  Yeah Christopher!

Judy and Julie had prepared a delicious vegetarian chili with all the "fixings".  The church was reported to have smelled wonderful all day as it cooked in a crock pot in the kitchen!!  There was also meat in a separate dish for those who wanted it. Along with cole slaw and sugar cookies.  Our meal preparers have done a super job all week of accommodating everyones needs.

After a rather quick dinner Denise and Crystal's family were off to go to a meeting at 6:30, for a program they are taking.  Getting them to the right place on time, Denise then went to the UGa School of Art to pick up Jill and her sons at 7:00 and take them back to the Church for a late--but very tasty--dinner.   Before long Denise left to pick up Crystal,  Yemisi and Josiah at 8:30 and take them back to FPC.  With all present and accounted for Denise headed home.   CHEERS for Denise, for doing a great Van driving job this afternoon and evening with a lot of "back and forthing."

Madeline was back to spend the second night, this time with Lynn.  They reported everything was fine, except Yemisi is missing the stem from her eyeglasses to her ear.  Hopefully that can be fixed soon.

During the night Christina and one of the twins were up in the wee hours watching a movie.  That makes getting up early the next morning difficult!











 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

IHN, Wednesday November 6, 2013

Wednesday morning found sleepy guests (and volunteers).  But Madeline and Winston had everyone up and about and the van left on time with Jayne once again the driver making the rounds.  It can be tricky to get 2 to Whit Davis by 7:15, then a Mom to work across town by 7:30, then 2 to Clarke Middle by 7:45--whew...then to more leisurely take 2 to Bright Beginnings by 8:00 and then the other Moms to the Day Center.  Yea Jayne, all were present and accounted for at the proper times!

Madeline and Winston meanwhile re-set the "volunteer bedroom" as the Week Day School.  From Thursday on we will have photos to guide the re-setting of that room.  They are in the Blue Host Week Book that stays at First Pres.

Wednesday found the missing laundry box back in it's rightful place--how is unknown!  However, the drinking glasses were no longer in the small kitchen, but had made it upstairs to the big kitchen (their usual home).  Since we want to be good stewards and not use paper or plastic,  they were brought back down to the small kitchen.  Hope they will stay put through Saturday night!  This has been a mysterious week, with keys, laundry box and glasses gone missing then being found.  And it is not Halloween.

Supplies such as fruit, granola bars and other healthy snacks were replenished, along with more OJ, and Milk.

Erik was the On Site/On Call Coordinator, and was there to greet the guests and Van Driver Bill Flatt--who deserves a gold star for driving three afternoons in a row.  Thanks Bill!

Carol M. and Tanna arrived and went with the guests to Fellowship Hall for the Wednesday night supper.  Everyone ate very well.  And when birthdays for the week were recognized, our Ethan was applauded--he will be 12 on Saturday.

John and Sara were the overnight hosts.  They reported that everyone was up a little later than usual.  John worked with Crystal on her resume and job application.  Keep her in your prayers, and all the other Moms--that they may find work that they will enjoy.

As we mark the middle of our Host Week we feel blessed to have such nice families in our church, we have enjoyed getting to know them.  The guests always bless our lives in ways we never expect.  We are also blessed--and grateful to have such caring volunteers.  God Bless You Everyone.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

IHN, Tuesday November 5, 2013

Tuesday morning got off to an early start, with Jayne picking up the guests at 6:45 and getting everyone to the right place on time--no easy task!  Although Tuesday is an "off" day for the Mom who usually needs to be at work by 7:30 am.

2 kids are taken to Whit Davis Elementary by 7:15 am
2 kids are taken to Clarke Middle School by 7:45 am
2 children are taken to Bright Beginnings
Everyone else goes to the Day Center

Jayne said she was enjoying talking with the guests so much that she stayed quite a while and enjoyed it very much--and I'm sure the guests did as well.

Overnight hosts Natalie and Barbara did a great job of getting everyone up and ready on time, and of making sure the Volunteer Room beds, medicine cabinet, bins with sheets and towels, calendar, notebook, etc was moved OUT of the room into the Children's Ministry Suite for the day.  A Weekday School class uses the "volunteer bedroom" during the day.  Thanks Natalie and Barbara for spending the night AND moving things out!!

Barb went by FPC to get the volunteer sheets & towels and take them home to wash.  Alas, no clear plastic box with label "IHN dirty laundry" and no dirty laundry!  DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THE LAUNDRY MIGHT BE?  Barb took last night's sheets from the beds, so her trip was not in vain!

Madeline was the On Site/On Call Coordinator for Tuesday.  She moved the furniture back into the volunteer room, and greeted the Evening Hosts Jeannie and Bobby.

Susan brought a delicious meal of Pork Loin, Beans, Baked Potatoes, Biscuits, Vegetarian options and a Cream Cheese Pound Cake.  Madeline raved about how good it was--and so did the guests.

During the evening Ethan constructed quite a domino chain--with Bobby cheering him on! Madeline sent a video--which I tried to upload, without success. Neither could I remove it, as you can see from above.  :(   I need a kid to help  me with technology!

Crystal and family returned to the church and there was food waiting for them.

Madeline returned to spend the night along with Winston.  They had a quiet evening.  All is well.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

IHN, Monday November 4, 2013

Monday morning Van pick up was at 6:45 am.  Virginia & Darrell made sure everyone was up, and Chuck got all nine in the van for the first drop off of a Mom at work.  No school for the four "big kids" today.  The twins went to Bright Beginnings and everyone else to the Day Center.

Madeline went by to talk with the overnight hosts but everyone had already gone--and she said the place looked spotless!

Terry M was the On Site/On Call Coordinator for Monday and got there to find someone had already stripped the beds and changed the sheets.  Angels are lurking somewhere--who are you??

He was there to greet Sheila and Terry N who were the Evening Hosts,  the Guests, and Bill who was the afternoon Van Driver.

Nancy and Bob brought a delicious dinner of fresh veggie strips,  whole wheat pita bread, Lentil Soup, Applesauce,  and from last night a green salad, and cookies.  Everyone enjoyed it very much!  We have the best cooks who do a great job during our IHN week.

Lots of conversation and activity.  Terry and Madeline came back to the church to sub for one overnight host who had a late class.

Barbara and Natalie were our genial overnight hosts and the night was quiet--just like we like it.
Morning comes early.  Sweet dreams one and all.






IHN, Sunday November 3, 2013

Our last IHN host week of 2013 is underway!

The truck arrived on the dot of 2:00 but most of the set up crew were a couple of minutes later.  We enlisted Cynthia who had come to launder the bedspreads, and we cleared the truck in nothing flat!  Carl had the good idea next time to use the ramp instead of the steps (he was the one that jockeyed everything up the steps this time!)  The driver said that was fine with him...now all we have to do is remember to direct him there.

Carl, Carla, Rick, Tom, Carol, Jim and Kitty--with Cynthia's help got the rooms swept, the Sunday school furniture moved out of three rooms and guest rooms set up.  We decided to leave most of the Weekday school things in the volunteer bedroom, thinking sleeping near the things  trumped moving them the next morning.

Cynthia was off to a commercial laundromat with all the blue bedspreads which go from church to church!!  She brought them back clean and folded and helped put them on the beds.

The paper covering the windows for privacy kept falling off--faulty tape??  Certainly it was NOT faulty tapers!  Carl & Tom discussed using foam board and velcro next time, that could be used over and over, and would be very easy to install and take down--saving both money and effort.  They measured and Carl will discuss with Roger.

Nine beds were made up--and the stuffed animals were put on the two year olds beds.  Cute.
Carol made name tags for the week's volunteers, and she &  Kitty inventoried the things that came from IHN and made an executive decision to throw away two pillows which had seen better days--long ago!

Arlene and Steve arrived early to be overnight hosts and helped finish the last of the set up.  Kitty & Arlene did the orientation for the three families.  We have three Moms, who each have two children.  A nice group.  Crystal (Yemisi 11, & Josiah 10), Jill (Christopher 14, & Ethan 11) and Christina (twins who are 2, Dorothy & Melissa)  All are so nice, and they seemed especially pleased with the showers,  the Pit (although it was used tonight by the youth) and the play area in the nursery.

The children can only go beyond the Children's Ministry Suite (to the Pit & the Nursery area) when an adult is with them.

I was so impressed with how nice Christopher was with the twins--like a good big brother.  He cleaned up after them too.

PF and Greg arrived with a delicious dinner as we were finishing the orientation.  It included vegetarian lasagna, a huge salad (enough for two nights) french bread & delicious chocolate chip cookies.  Yum!!  All ate heartily.

Virginia and Darrell came to spend the night, for the first time.  They discovered the WDS door unlocked, but with help from Roger that was quickly remedied.  There was a group meeting upstairs, so they would have locked it when they left.

We have 76 individuals who are volunteers in November.  Several of them are doing more than one job.  A HUGE thanks to one and all.  God bless the families and the volunteers.  It is such a blessing to have a church facility that can be used in this way.