Today is our last day for this host week. All has gone well because we have had such wonderful guest and marvelous volunteers--great combination!
Bright and early this Sunday morning Bruce and David were up and stripping their beds, and LaShawn was getting her things together when we arrived. We sent Bruce and David to their respective homes right away because Bruce was still a bit under the weather and David had been there since 4:45 Saturday afternoon and a 14+ hour stint seemed enough!
Our new Interim Youth Director is off to a great start. Kim thought the Youth would enjoy the involvement with IHN and they were the take-down crew, along with some parents...Happy Fathers Day! Maggie and Don, Elizabeth, Georgia Blue and Robert with Paige and Robert, Ben, Kate and Kim and Cov joined Denise and me and things went like clock work. Nice post on Facebook too.
Laundry was divided into four bags and Denise took one home to wash, and the others were put in the Children's Ministry kitchen to be picked up by Debra, Zanne, Marie and Tim. It will come back fresh and clean at their convenience.
The IHN beds and bin with blue bedspreads were rolled to the hallway near the loading dock along with the other things that have waited by the Coke machine. We then waited for the IHN truck to arrive to pick up everything and we worked on the things that stay at the church.
The First Pres things were sorted and most was taken to the storage area, where there is a nice place to put it all. Dishes and silverware were taken to the big kitchen. LaShawn packed some things from the refrigerator to take to the Day Center for her family to eat. We try to let nothing go to waste.
Georgia Blue enjoyed seeing Autumn again and it was reciprocated! And Christian enjoyed playing outside with the kids. Great for everyone to have the youth there.
**I had a chance to talk with LaShawn. She said how comfortable everyone had made all of them feel. She said the fact that people were willing to give their time and to cook and bring food for them, and to stay with them was such a kind thing. She said it was very motivating to interact with such caring people and it meant a lot to her as a Mother when the volunteers were so nice with her children and so considerate of her. **
The truck came and everything was loaded with very little room to spare. Denise took LaShawn, Christian and Autumn to the Day Center. We sent along a pair of shoes and some small things Amber had left in her room for her to pick up.
The Pit was back in order, things were properly stored and we will be ready for our next Host Week.
I was the afternoon Day Center Host and had it all to myself. LaShawn had taken her family to the park when I arrived and they didn't return until not long before they were to leave. LaShawn and Christian reported a wonderful time. Autumn was sound asleep in her carrier so she must have had fun too! They had enjoyed the pool and being out of doors on this pretty day. I love the fact that in the Van LaShawn always sits between her two lovely children...she is a very loving Mother. Her children's behavior reflects her love and appropriate discipline. Such a nice family.
Keith came to drive the family to the next church, Watkinsville First United Methodist and they all loaded up after good-byes. Autumn was still sleepy. Suspect they will all sleep well tonight. Lisa was headed to Watkinsville to pick up Keith--it's a bit further than walking back to the car from First Baptist or Emmanuel. Thanks to you two--you deserve volunteer stars since you also prepared and served refreshments in the Atrium today!! You are appreciated...
...as is everyone else. Thanks to all of you for ALL you did this week during the First Pres/CCI hosting. LaShawn's words ** reflect your goodness. Your efforts make a real difference.
Hope you will join us again when we host next--it's not too far off. We will be welcoming families on August 3 -10 -- seven weeks from today. Please mark your calendar and know that what you do for IHN matters.
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