Sunday comes early. The take-down crew of Roger, Carmen, Ed (back from overnight host duties on Fri), Alicia, John, Katherine, Sarah, Steven and Mac, Denise, Kitty D and Gail who set up and brought the week's snacks and breakfast food was back in Athens from her home in Atlanta and came to help!
David and Bruce were up and helping in moving things as well. We have such great volunteers. Jill had done a lot the night before to get ready. As we were moving things from their room, Christopher was burrowing into his bed! It's hard to get up early when you're 14 (or 71 actually).
Everyone in this crew was experienced and it went very well. The sofa was moved back to the Pit, The laundry was put into large bags for Ann, Debbie and Sarah to pick up today. Blinds were taken from the windows and stored for next time. IHN Bins were put into the hall with the 16 beds all awaiting the truck. The refrigerator was cleaned out and put back into order for the staff who shares with us with nary a complaint (or at least out-loud) :)
The Sunday School rooms were re-set to order, with the help of photos Candice had taken, and the good work of Katherine, Sarah, Mac and Steven who know just how things are supposed to go.
There was a bit of time to visit and just as the truck arrived to pick up the IHN things, Denise and Kitty D were off with the van to take the guests to the Day Center.
Pete, an able IHN volunteer, was waiting with a truck and U-haul trailer to take Jill and her family to Buford to pick up their furniture and things (to the relief of Bill who had worried about their very empty apartment.) Some wonderful volunteers had brought dishes this week, and other things have been coming in for them.
It has been a wonderful week. We were able to see Christine, Belinda, Melissa and Dorothy on their last night with IHN and wish them well as they moved into their very own trailer.
Jill, who is admirably very neat and very organized wisely asked to stay at Emmanuel, the next host church, until Thursday so she can get everything arranged, stored, put away, fixed just right before she and the boys move in. Also they need two beds which are available from IHN storage next week.
It was sad to tell them "so-long". They are a wonderful family and have won the hearts of all of us. We always are blessed by hosting and this week was no exception.
THANKS to all of you who helped to make this week go so smoothly. Mark your calendar and save the dates: Our next host week will be March 23 - 30, 2014. Hope to see you then.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
IHN, Saturday January 11, 2014
Kitty K. and Ed got the morning started and everyone moving. Saturday is always a special day during the First Pres IHN host week. Everyone gets to sleep a little later. Then, it's up to Fellowship Hall for a fabulous Darryl Magrino breakfast! Anything you could want for breakfast--including omelets or eggs cooked to order. What a treat! Both the guests and the volunteers love it. What a gift from Darryl, thanks from one and all.
Erik was the morning van driver again--after doing his usual great job during the week as van coordinator, making sure all the drivers knew exactly where to be when. And the IHN staff has been wonderful about making sure the van has plenty of gas...which helps a lot.
Bill Flatt was once again the smiling evening van driver, and he went to the Day Center early so he could take Jill, Christopher and Ethan to pick up their very own apartment key! It was a big moment and Bill got to be there as the boys saw their soon-to-be-home for the first time. There is a brand new refrigerator and oven, new carpeting and fresh paint everywhere. Jill was thrilled. She has worked hard for this day. And kudos to the IHN staff for working with her to make this happen.
They then came to FPC to chill for a bit. Kitty was On Site/On Call coordinator, and after the sheets were changed for the hosts, an inventory was taken of all the IHN things.
Before long evening hosts Molly and Ben were there with their precious Crawford. They got the table set and welcomed Ethelyn and the dinner. The boys were thrilled to see Pizza (3 different kinds) along with a big platter of chicken strips, a huge tossed salad and big chocolate chunk cookies which they enjoyed with ice cream left over from another evening. Once again our meal providers outdid themselves! Jill packaged up chicken strips for Sunday, and there was enough pizza left to take to the Day Center for a treat as well.
Overnight host pros Bruce and David were there (David's third volunteer job this week, so he certainly knows his way around!).
It was a quiet night, and the last one for Jill and family at First Presbyterian. Thanks to all for a very good day.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
IHN, Friday January 10, 2014
After the excitement of Thursday night Lynn and Nancy were up and ready to go on Friday morning. They got all the morning chores done, and everyone up and ready for the van.
Jim McDonald (who also was part of the Thursday night fire alarm situation) was there to drive the van...nothing scares off our volunteers!
Madeline, fresh from being out of town, was the Friday On Site/On Call Coordinator and got the beds changed in the host room, and made sure all was in proper order for the evening.
Bill brought the guests in the afternoon and was greeted by Madeline.
Evening Hosts were Dianne and Smith. Dianne has written today to say how much they enjoyed visiting with Jill and the boys. They are such a nice family--and everyone has become quite fond of them. Dianne also said "only at IHN can you meet the Mayor spending the night"! Thanks again Nancy! and everyone else who spends the night. We appreciate non-Mayors just as much and there are a lot more of you.
Jeannie and Roger brought dinner and once again it hit the spot. They had pulled pork and buns, baked beans, coleslaw and a delicious pie. What a treat for everyone.
Overnight hosts were Kitty K and Ed, and since they are pros at this all was well. Friday night had no excitement, which is actually a good thing. Too much adrenaline can be hard on the body (at least for us older folks)
THANKS to all our wonderful volunteers.
Jim McDonald (who also was part of the Thursday night fire alarm situation) was there to drive the van...nothing scares off our volunteers!
Madeline, fresh from being out of town, was the Friday On Site/On Call Coordinator and got the beds changed in the host room, and made sure all was in proper order for the evening.
Bill brought the guests in the afternoon and was greeted by Madeline.
Evening Hosts were Dianne and Smith. Dianne has written today to say how much they enjoyed visiting with Jill and the boys. They are such a nice family--and everyone has become quite fond of them. Dianne also said "only at IHN can you meet the Mayor spending the night"! Thanks again Nancy! and everyone else who spends the night. We appreciate non-Mayors just as much and there are a lot more of you.
Jeannie and Roger brought dinner and once again it hit the spot. They had pulled pork and buns, baked beans, coleslaw and a delicious pie. What a treat for everyone.
Overnight hosts were Kitty K and Ed, and since they are pros at this all was well. Friday night had no excitement, which is actually a good thing. Too much adrenaline can be hard on the body (at least for us older folks)
THANKS to all our wonderful volunteers.
Friday, January 10, 2014
IHN, Thursday January 9, 2014
Thursday brought higher temperatures to Athens...just as Christopher and Ethan have new jackets and new long underwear for cold winter days!
John and Sara are early risers and had coffee and cereal before the family got up. They reported a good evening. Chuck was back to drive the morning Van again and all went like clock-work.
Sara did double duty and was doing laundry very early on Thursday morning. Thanks!
Susan was the On Site/On Call Coordinator and had the beds ready with clean sheets and mints for the overnight hosts. Tom served once again as the evening van driver--we have such wonderful volunteers to do multiple days and multiple duties.
Susan greeted the evening hosts Steve and Tanna. Dinner was brought by Jessica and Sue--and what a delicious dinner it was! Beef Stew (a perfect winter dinner) along with a green salad, garlic bread and apple pie with ice cream...what more could you want?
Steve and Tanna were joined by Nancy who came early for her overnight duties. They all enjoyed talking with Jill and with one another. Soon the other overnight host Lynn joined in. Happy and Steve checked all the doors, which were secure and everyone was settled in for the night.
BUT...the nice was not over. Around 10 the fire alarm went off--if you are reading this, you probably heard it wherever you were last night. It is LOUD! That's a good thing, no one sleeps through it. There was no fire--thankfully.
Lynn called me, but my cell phone was off (we went to a concert & I didn't want it to BARK (my ring tone) in the middle of a piano sonata) She called Denise, who was johnny on the spot. She called Roger (his cell phone was on the charger in another room) and Glenn, who answered immediately.
Soon the fire department arrived. They must have been surprised to find their Mayor there at the church! Bet they were glad they made a timely response; I feel sure they always do!
When Denise arrived she found the fire department, Glenn, Jim, Lynn, Nancy, Jill, Christopher & Ethan outside to get away from the shrieking alarm. Christopher and Ethan were bundled in blankets.
Soon, the alarm was turned off.
The culprit was a broken pipe in the sprinkler system in the lower garage, where water was pouring out...much better than fire.
While all this was happening the boys discovered Nancy is the Mayor and were very impressed and very curious. They asked her all sorts of questions, including whether she had a guard with her at all times (no) and if she had a driver (no). So it was a great civic lesson, as well as an excellent fire and emergency drill. Everyone did their part exactly right, no one panicked. All were safe and I'm sure all slept well Thursday night.
THANKS to Lynn, Nancy, Glenn, Denise, Jim and the firefighters for everything you did! And to Jill and the boys for hanging in there--and making the best of an un-quiet evening.
John and Sara are early risers and had coffee and cereal before the family got up. They reported a good evening. Chuck was back to drive the morning Van again and all went like clock-work.
Sara did double duty and was doing laundry very early on Thursday morning. Thanks!
Susan was the On Site/On Call Coordinator and had the beds ready with clean sheets and mints for the overnight hosts. Tom served once again as the evening van driver--we have such wonderful volunteers to do multiple days and multiple duties.
Susan greeted the evening hosts Steve and Tanna. Dinner was brought by Jessica and Sue--and what a delicious dinner it was! Beef Stew (a perfect winter dinner) along with a green salad, garlic bread and apple pie with ice cream...what more could you want?
Steve and Tanna were joined by Nancy who came early for her overnight duties. They all enjoyed talking with Jill and with one another. Soon the other overnight host Lynn joined in. Happy and Steve checked all the doors, which were secure and everyone was settled in for the night.
BUT...the nice was not over. Around 10 the fire alarm went off--if you are reading this, you probably heard it wherever you were last night. It is LOUD! That's a good thing, no one sleeps through it. There was no fire--thankfully.
Lynn called me, but my cell phone was off (we went to a concert & I didn't want it to BARK (my ring tone) in the middle of a piano sonata) She called Denise, who was johnny on the spot. She called Roger (his cell phone was on the charger in another room) and Glenn, who answered immediately.
Soon the fire department arrived. They must have been surprised to find their Mayor there at the church! Bet they were glad they made a timely response; I feel sure they always do!
When Denise arrived she found the fire department, Glenn, Jim, Lynn, Nancy, Jill, Christopher & Ethan outside to get away from the shrieking alarm. Christopher and Ethan were bundled in blankets.
Soon, the alarm was turned off.
The culprit was a broken pipe in the sprinkler system in the lower garage, where water was pouring out...much better than fire.
While all this was happening the boys discovered Nancy is the Mayor and were very impressed and very curious. They asked her all sorts of questions, including whether she had a guard with her at all times (no) and if she had a driver (no). So it was a great civic lesson, as well as an excellent fire and emergency drill. Everyone did their part exactly right, no one panicked. All were safe and I'm sure all slept well Thursday night.
THANKS to Lynn, Nancy, Glenn, Denise, Jim and the firefighters for everything you did! And to Jill and the boys for hanging in there--and making the best of an un-quiet evening.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Another chilly morning at First Pres--and everywhere else in Georgia. Elaine and Laura got the morning started. They didn't have to go far to work, just down the hall. There are lots of benefits to being an IHN volunteer.
Chuck was the Van driver and got the boys to school after a "non-snow but plenty cold" closed day yesterday. Jill went to the Day Center as her work day started later. She and I had an enjoyable morning running errands before I dropped her at her clients for her work day.
In the afternoon Tom was the Van driver and Terry the On Site/On Call Coordinator. Terry got the beds made and everything organized to welcome Jill and her family back to FPC. He and the evening hosts set the table and all was well.
By the time Judy and Jim arrived with dinner everyone was there, including the Evening hosts David (again) and Ben, and the room was ringing with music. Christopher on the piano and Ethan playing his trumpet. Overnight hosts Sara and John joined in the festivities and the good food before heading off to make music with the choir.
Dinner was scrumptious, baked chicken, corn, a sweet potato casserole, rolls and cookies for dessert. Everyone enjoyed it very much.
The overnight was quiet, just like we like it. John says "the beds are much better than the old cots!". Another good aspect of overnight hosting.
Chuck was the Van driver and got the boys to school after a "non-snow but plenty cold" closed day yesterday. Jill went to the Day Center as her work day started later. She and I had an enjoyable morning running errands before I dropped her at her clients for her work day.
In the afternoon Tom was the Van driver and Terry the On Site/On Call Coordinator. Terry got the beds made and everything organized to welcome Jill and her family back to FPC. He and the evening hosts set the table and all was well.
By the time Judy and Jim arrived with dinner everyone was there, including the Evening hosts David (again) and Ben, and the room was ringing with music. Christopher on the piano and Ethan playing his trumpet. Overnight hosts Sara and John joined in the festivities and the good food before heading off to make music with the choir.
Dinner was scrumptious, baked chicken, corn, a sweet potato casserole, rolls and cookies for dessert. Everyone enjoyed it very much.
The overnight was quiet, just like we like it. John says "the beds are much better than the old cots!". Another good aspect of overnight hosting.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
IHN, Tuesday January 7, 2014
Mary and Laura got up on this frigid morning, and were thankful the church had heat! They thought they were going to spend the day in the church--locked in! In case that happens to you...if you are trying to get out the back door and can't, look to your left on the wall and push the small green (I think) square box that says "Push to Exit". This is a relatively new security system that is operative anytime the Weekday School is in session. Sorry we didn't give you a heads up Mary--And we are glad your car started - after advice from Bob via phone. That's what happens when he stays home to watch the football game.
Erik was the last minute van driver, always count on him in a pinch! The Clarke County Schools were closed but Jill had to go to work. The boys spent the day at the Day Center (studying I am sure) They both play musical instruments and have lots of interests and talents, so if it wasn't school books I'm sure they put the time to good use.
Barb came to the church this morning and picked up the dirty sheets and towels and took them home to wash.
Denise was the Tuesday On-Site/On-Call Coordinator today, along with other roles!
Kitty picked up Jill from work this afternoon, so she didn't have to wait for the bus in the cold, cold weather. When everyone got to the church Denise and Sydney were there and had dinner almost ready. Erika and Joe had prepared a delicious lasagna which was perfect for the weather. Not only was it enjoyed tonight, but Jill put some into freezer bags and will have them all ready to start life in her new apartment, which should be by early next week.
Sydney had a big salad, which was a big hit along with warm french bread, and for dessert there were cookies and apple slices with a brickle dip. Yum!!
Carol and Winston, the evening hosts enjoyed the dinner too as well as catching up with Jill.
Denise had a bonus of dinner because she stayed and took Jill for a 6 pm doctor's appointment and got back before too much time passed. Jill got a good report! Thanks to everyone for making that tight schedule work.
Denise went home but wasn't finished...see the message she sent:
As the onsite coordinator, your heart skips a beat when the phone rings and you see First Presbyterian on the caller ID. Fortunately, the only problem was that I had left with the door keys to the church in my pocket!
As I drove back to the church, I wondered why evening host Carol had called my home phone rather than my cell. That mystery was solved when I got to the church and learned the door to the host room had accidentally closed--and locked! Although overnight hosts Laura and Elaine both have their own sets of keys because of their work with the church, when the door closed their keys were inside!
All was fine once I returned with keys in hand!
Denise--thanks for all you did!! Easy mistake to leave those keys in your pocket, as you suggested we will get one of those curly bracelet key rings. Just so everyone knows, I (Kitty) also get a set of keys during our host week so if the set at the church gets gone, we don't have to call in Roger--as we had to do the first week. We learn something each time!
Overnight hosts were Elaine and Laura--who had already spent the day at their First Presbyterian jobs, and then returned for the night! What wonderful employees they are...we are grateful.
Sweet dreams with visions of snowflakes dancing in your heads.
Erik was the last minute van driver, always count on him in a pinch! The Clarke County Schools were closed but Jill had to go to work. The boys spent the day at the Day Center (studying I am sure) They both play musical instruments and have lots of interests and talents, so if it wasn't school books I'm sure they put the time to good use.
Barb came to the church this morning and picked up the dirty sheets and towels and took them home to wash.
Denise was the Tuesday On-Site/On-Call Coordinator today, along with other roles!
Kitty picked up Jill from work this afternoon, so she didn't have to wait for the bus in the cold, cold weather. When everyone got to the church Denise and Sydney were there and had dinner almost ready. Erika and Joe had prepared a delicious lasagna which was perfect for the weather. Not only was it enjoyed tonight, but Jill put some into freezer bags and will have them all ready to start life in her new apartment, which should be by early next week.
Sydney had a big salad, which was a big hit along with warm french bread, and for dessert there were cookies and apple slices with a brickle dip. Yum!!
Carol and Winston, the evening hosts enjoyed the dinner too as well as catching up with Jill.
Denise had a bonus of dinner because she stayed and took Jill for a 6 pm doctor's appointment and got back before too much time passed. Jill got a good report! Thanks to everyone for making that tight schedule work.
Denise went home but wasn't finished...see the message she sent:
As the onsite coordinator, your heart skips a beat when the phone rings and you see First Presbyterian on the caller ID. Fortunately, the only problem was that I had left with the door keys to the church in my pocket!
As I drove back to the church, I wondered why evening host Carol had called my home phone rather than my cell. That mystery was solved when I got to the church and learned the door to the host room had accidentally closed--and locked! Although overnight hosts Laura and Elaine both have their own sets of keys because of their work with the church, when the door closed their keys were inside!
All was fine once I returned with keys in hand!
Denise--thanks for all you did!! Easy mistake to leave those keys in your pocket, as you suggested we will get one of those curly bracelet key rings. Just so everyone knows, I (Kitty) also get a set of keys during our host week so if the set at the church gets gone, we don't have to call in Roger--as we had to do the first week. We learn something each time!
Overnight hosts were Elaine and Laura--who had already spent the day at their First Presbyterian jobs, and then returned for the night! What wonderful employees they are...we are grateful.
Sweet dreams with visions of snowflakes dancing in your heads.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
IHN, Monday January 6, 2014 -- part two!
My mind has frozen...that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I left out Gail Wilfong's great snacks and breakfast food on the Sunday post.
Now I have left out three important folks on the Monday post. Erik was the On-Site/On-Call Coordinator for Monday and was at the church by 4:30. He stripped the host beds and put on new sheets for the new Overnight hosts--along with the mints on their pillows of course.
He welcomed the evening hosts Terry Nestor and Sarah Lawrence who made our guests feel right at home, put out the food and enjoyed it as well! That's the big benefit of being an evening host--good food you don't have to cook yourself!
Also there was concern about the boys lack of warm jackets and gloves. Bless Terry and Laura for sharing what they were wearing! How kind of you, it was appreciated. I have found out some things about that. The boys have jackets but need blue jackets for school and theirs are different.
On Wednesday morning we're going to take Jill shopping for a warmer coat for her, and some long underwear for the boys. The IHN staff has vouchers for them. We will make sure all have the warm clothing they need. Thanks for caring!!
On to Tuesday...
Now I have left out three important folks on the Monday post. Erik was the On-Site/On-Call Coordinator for Monday and was at the church by 4:30. He stripped the host beds and put on new sheets for the new Overnight hosts--along with the mints on their pillows of course.
He welcomed the evening hosts Terry Nestor and Sarah Lawrence who made our guests feel right at home, put out the food and enjoyed it as well! That's the big benefit of being an evening host--good food you don't have to cook yourself!
Also there was concern about the boys lack of warm jackets and gloves. Bless Terry and Laura for sharing what they were wearing! How kind of you, it was appreciated. I have found out some things about that. The boys have jackets but need blue jackets for school and theirs are different.
On Wednesday morning we're going to take Jill shopping for a warmer coat for her, and some long underwear for the boys. The IHN staff has vouchers for them. We will make sure all have the warm clothing they need. Thanks for caring!!
On to Tuesday...
IHN, Monday January 6, 2014
Julie and Hugh roused all the guests, so they would be ready to roll at 7:30 am Monday morning. Julie did double-duty as the morning van driver. Is that a great volunteer or what??
It was a big morning for guests Christine, Belinda, Melissa and Dorothy...they moved today into their own trailer and they were all very excited about having a home of their own. Our prayers and good thoughts go with them. We will continue to keep up with them.
The afternoon driver was Jayne and she brought Jill, Christopher and Ethan to the church for the night. Without twin two year olds it seems mighty quiet! I know they miss Chris and Ethan who have been wonderful "big brothers" to them, watching out for them, playing with them and importantly teaching them new words! What great guys those two are.
Susan and Greta brought a wonderful meal featuring Chicken Tettrazini. The guests and evening hosts were grateful and enjoyed every bite. No one goes hungry at First Pres, we have the best cooks I am sure!
The overnight hosts were Mary and her daughter Laura--who was substituting for her Dad. Bob preferred to watch the Auburn-Florida State game. Imagine that! Thanks Laura, you are welcome back any time.
Extra blankets were available to all on this c-o-l-d night!
It was a big morning for guests Christine, Belinda, Melissa and Dorothy...they moved today into their own trailer and they were all very excited about having a home of their own. Our prayers and good thoughts go with them. We will continue to keep up with them.
The afternoon driver was Jayne and she brought Jill, Christopher and Ethan to the church for the night. Without twin two year olds it seems mighty quiet! I know they miss Chris and Ethan who have been wonderful "big brothers" to them, watching out for them, playing with them and importantly teaching them new words! What great guys those two are.
Susan and Greta brought a wonderful meal featuring Chicken Tettrazini. The guests and evening hosts were grateful and enjoyed every bite. No one goes hungry at First Pres, we have the best cooks I am sure!
The overnight hosts were Mary and her daughter Laura--who was substituting for her Dad. Bob preferred to watch the Auburn-Florida State game. Imagine that! Thanks Laura, you are welcome back any time.
Extra blankets were available to all on this c-o-l-d night!
Monday, January 6, 2014
IHN, Sunday January 5, 2014
2014 gets off to a good start at First Pres as we host IHN. The set up crew was superb--Carla, Carl and Rick got started an hour early and by the time the rest of us arrived, they'd gotten the floors cleaned, sofa moved upstairs, boxes of sheets and towels out and sorted and many of the window covers up. The truck that brings IHNA beds and other things went to Emanuel, and fortunately then to the Day Center. When we called the Day Center to see if they'd heard why he hadn't arrived yet--they had his number. He didn't know where to go! It's a new year and new schedule which takes getting used to for all of us. Once he arrived the truck was unloaded by Kitty L, Mary, Gail, Kitty D, Carla, Carl and Rick in record time!
Beds were made, lamps set up, and all was made ready to welcome our guests and hosts.
Marie and Tim drove straight from Florida (where they had some cool weather) to pick up the blue bedspreads and wash them. They delivered them back in time to be put on the beds before the guests arrived.
We only have two families arriving today. Both were with us in November, and it was nice to welcome them back. The third November family moved into their own place in December. Christine and her twins and her Mom Belinda will move on Monday Jan 6 to their own place.
Jill, Christopher and Ethan will be will us this week and then move to their own place next week. Congratulations to all three families--and the IHNA staff for reaching this important goal--a home of their own! Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers as they make a big transition.
Evening Hosts David and Barbara arrived and got the table set and the dinner out. We are so happy to welcome Congregation Children of Israel who are now "official" as our host week partner! David has been staying overnight and meeting with us as we prepare for this. We look forward to working together.
Nancy and Bob brought a delicious meal, perfect for a chilly evening. Rolls with hot beef for open faced sandwiches with gravy, a yummy squash casserole, colorful cole slaw and the best pear cup cakes ever! Guests had seconds and enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation with David and Barbara and one another. Belinda is feeling a bit under the weather, so she got some needed sleep.
Julie and Hugh spent the night. With only two families, the host room this week is not the room used by the Week Day School--good for the teacher, as her things will stay put and good for the overnight hosts and coordinators, as no furniture has to be moved!
Before I left Ethan was with one of the twins, and having her tell him the colors in the little buggy she was "driving"...so nice that he takes the time with the little ones! It is a joy to see how much these families enjoy one another. It is nice to have them back--and they seem to be glad to be back at First Presbyterian.
Thanks to our volunteers for getting the week off to a great start, and good luck to the guests who have moved and it's wonderful to have Jill and family back with us. God bless one and all.
Beds were made, lamps set up, and all was made ready to welcome our guests and hosts.
Marie and Tim drove straight from Florida (where they had some cool weather) to pick up the blue bedspreads and wash them. They delivered them back in time to be put on the beds before the guests arrived.
We only have two families arriving today. Both were with us in November, and it was nice to welcome them back. The third November family moved into their own place in December. Christine and her twins and her Mom Belinda will move on Monday Jan 6 to their own place.
Jill, Christopher and Ethan will be will us this week and then move to their own place next week. Congratulations to all three families--and the IHNA staff for reaching this important goal--a home of their own! Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers as they make a big transition.
Evening Hosts David and Barbara arrived and got the table set and the dinner out. We are so happy to welcome Congregation Children of Israel who are now "official" as our host week partner! David has been staying overnight and meeting with us as we prepare for this. We look forward to working together.
Nancy and Bob brought a delicious meal, perfect for a chilly evening. Rolls with hot beef for open faced sandwiches with gravy, a yummy squash casserole, colorful cole slaw and the best pear cup cakes ever! Guests had seconds and enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation with David and Barbara and one another. Belinda is feeling a bit under the weather, so she got some needed sleep.
Julie and Hugh spent the night. With only two families, the host room this week is not the room used by the Week Day School--good for the teacher, as her things will stay put and good for the overnight hosts and coordinators, as no furniture has to be moved!
Before I left Ethan was with one of the twins, and having her tell him the colors in the little buggy she was "driving"...so nice that he takes the time with the little ones! It is a joy to see how much these families enjoy one another. It is nice to have them back--and they seem to be glad to be back at First Presbyterian.
Thanks to our volunteers for getting the week off to a great start, and good luck to the guests who have moved and it's wonderful to have Jill and family back with us. God bless one and all.
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