Sunday, August 3, 2014

IHN, Sunday August 3, 2014

Our fourth IHN Host week in 2014 got underway this afternoon without a hitch--thanks to so many great volunteers!

The set up crew: Denise, Carl, Kitty L, Mary P and Kitty D found a much easier situation, with all the IHN things already in the Pit.  Kim and the youth have generously offered their closet space for us to store the IHN Linens and other things.  We are grateful!!  It is much better than hauling everything back and forth and back again to the storage space.  It is great use of space that was empty.

Jim and Judy came to pick up the blue bedspreads that go from church to church to church.  While waiting for the truck to arrive, they helped sort some things in the kitchen, and then helped move the beds and bins in.  They then took spreads to a laundromat with really large machines, washed, dried and folded them and brought them back to FPC--only to discover the doors into the lowest level (& all the others) were locked!  We were inside getting them ready and didn't hear their frantic knocking.  THANKS for being persistent, and sending a text--and bringing back clean bedspreads.

The set up crew got the truck unloaded, beds into the rooms, and huge and heavy bins belonging to each family into the proper bedrooms.  Beds were made--and Carl showed his prowess in making beds, after he had done every possible thing that needed doing before relenting and making beds.  He actually made the same bed three times--oops that wasn't his fault and he may never make another bed!

Because of the warm weather we didn't put blankets on the beds, but put one blanket per person in each room--just in case!  In looking through the blankets we discovered a gorgeous afghan donated by Barbara--what a lovely gift for our IHN host week.  Thank you!

In addition to beds being made food was stored in the kitchen.  Thanks to Michelle and Susan B for bringing such nice things for the guests' breakfast and to make lunches.  Everything looks great and will be enjoyed.

Then Denise, Kitty L and Mary sorted and arranged all the linens that belong to FPC in the closet--and it all fit beautifully!  How delightful it will be for the next host week,  just to open the closet door, instead of going through bins!

Evening hosts Steve and Larry arrived--carrying bags of spreads from in front of the door and then helped get them on the beds.  So nice to have everything clean and fresh for our families and volunteers.

About the time we were wondering where the guests could be--it isn't but a couple of blocks to the Day Center--in walked a volunteer from Holy Cross Lutheran, very relieved to find us in the Pit.  The last time she had been at FPC, IHN was upstairs in Sunday School rooms and they had been wandering all over an empty and quiet building (I'm sure they were wondering what they were going to do with 8 people tonight!)  The DeMarias who were there with dinner rescued her and all was well.

The other Holy Cross volunteer brought the IHN Van down to the parking lot near the Pit and everyone unloaded.  We have two families.  LEE has three children: Kawani who is 5 and he begins  kindergarten at Downtown Academy on Thursday.  J.R. is  three and Zanora will celebrate her first birthday on Thursday.  They both go to Bright Beginnings.

ALEQUIA (Ah-lake-ee-ah) also has three children:  John is 5,  Qeenasia is 4 and Joseph is 2.  Alequia has a car but unfortunately it broke down at Holy Cross so she and her family will also be using the van until the car is repaired which they hope will be soon.  She works full time and doesn't know her schedule until the day before.  VAN DRIVERS--Erik and/or I will keep you posted on who will be riding the van when!  Check your email for info as we know it.

OVERNIGHT HOSTS, sometimes Alequia works a late shift which means she could get back to the church early in the morning.  Madeline and/or I will let you know.  Alequia arranges her own child care.  MEAL PREPARATION volunteers -- Her schedule will also make a difference in how many will be at dinner.  Terry and/or I will let you know as soon as we know.

THANKS to all of you for being flexible.  Things seem to change often daily.  That's life!

Steve and his Dad Larry were Evening Hosts.  The children seemed to love having a "grandfather" to talk with them!  Larry said he had six children and this night brought back lots of good memories.  He said he was so glad he got to be with "so many of God's children".  What wonderful volunteers we have.

Melinda and Don and Maggie and Cate prepared the delicious dinner...right on the spot in the main kitchen.  They had a Mexican feast--with Quesadillas, Tacos and all the fixings--yum!  They also had some apple sauce for the children along with everything else and Matt and Natalie provided a lovely fruit salad, along with milk and lemonade and everyone's favorites--cookies!  No one goes hungry during the FPC/CCI host week.  They all dug in and seemed to enjoy every bite.

Denise went to the store and got needed ointments for diaper rash and said when she returned the evening hosts and meal preparers were talking with the Moms and the children were enjoying playing together.  Our guest children always love having volunteer children--it is a real treat!  Queenasia enjoyed being up in the "big kitchen" and watching the cooking going on, especially since she was with two "big girls"--she is one of only two girls with the six children, and the other girl is one!

When we were giving the orientation, showing Lee and Alequia where the bathrooms and showers are, and the outside courtyard area where they can enjoy green grass--they were thrilled that A. the bathrooms and showers are so close and B. they can sit outside and the children can enjoy the pretty area.  The children were also having fun playing with balls.

David and Bruce are the Overnight Hosts and they were settled in for the evening.  Our Host Room this time, since we only have two families, is in the Sr High Room--a real room!  The other three host weeks in 2014 the host room has been in the Storage Room, which works but a "real room" is probably more like the Ritz!  In attempting to make the beds as comfortable as possible, we put double mattresses on the two Host Beds.  Along with the memory foam.  Let us know how that sleeps.

Everything got off to a good start.  The families are delightful, two lovely, caring Moms and six cute, lively, affectionate children!  Before I had taken four steps in the parking area I got hugs from two adorable little boys--what fun!

Thank you to everyone who worked today, brought things, gave of your time and talent to make this week better for our neighbors in need.  We are blessed to have a nice facility we can share and so many people who give a warm welcome and provide delicious food and a safe place to be.  While it is not home--we hope that our guests feel cared for and loved while they are with us.

Sweet dreams one and all--it's going to be a good week!






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