Our IHN host week got off to a good start, thanks to an excellent set up crew: Gail, Ally, Carl, Roger, Denise & Kitty. Gail and Ally had the floors swept and mopped in most of the rooms by the time the truck arrived. The truck was unloaded in 8 minutes--what a team! Before long 10 beds had been rolled into the rooms, and made up. Tables and chairs were put into each room, along with lamps and clocks. Roger put privacy shades on the windows, and he and Carl moved the sofa from the Pit upstairs in front of the TV. Names were put in the windows of each room, so our guests would know where to go and know we have been thinking of them and welcome them into their home for the week.
Meanwhile Marie and Tim took all 15 of the blue IHN bedspreads to the laundromat. The rest of the bedding, pillows and towels belong to First Pres and were brought from the boxes they are stored in between host weeks, fresh and ready to be used. 12 sets of sheets were put into the volunteer rooms, so the on-call coordinator can make up their beds each day. A laundry "basket" was put on top of the washing machine.
The refrigerator was rearranged, a few "science project looking" items were pitched and the staples for IHN guests were put into the refrigerator and on the cart. Items for a grab and go breakfast, or for snacks will be available all week.
Before long the set up crew had finished--great job! Soon Smith came to be an evening host and minutes later Dianne arrived--in spite of having an appendectomy on Wednesday night --what a trooper! Marie and Tim returned the bedspreads smelling fresh, and beautifully folded and ready for the beds. Denise and Kitty inventoried the IHN items for the log book.
The guests arrived from Young Harris. Three families, 2 single moms and 1 single dad, 1 big sister and 4 precious little children ages 1, 3, 4 and 5. It's going to be a lively week! They had fun with the wonderful toys in the Children's Ministry Suite. Misse watched the little ones (along with new members' children) in the nursery while Denise and Kitty (the IHN Team on-call coordinators for Sunday) gave the adult guests a tour of the facilities and discussed the Guest Guidelines.
Soon Carol and Lisa arrived with a delicious dinner: fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and ice cream sandwiches. YUMMY! We have the reputation of great food for our guests. One mom who was with us in June told the others "you're going to love the food here, they bring the best things!"
The night was quiet, an early start for school and work on Monday morning. Elaine and Laura extended their usual time at FPC by spending the night.
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. Our hope is your lives will be enriched by this experience. Our prayer is that our guests will feel comfortable, welcome and safe in our church. We are blessed to have them with us and pray for peace for one and all.
God bless you every one.
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