I am late with posting about my mini sabbatical but better late than never. I did my service project this year with Meals on Wheels and decided I wanted to do something different with them . I wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes so I volunteered to work in the kitchen. They were very happy to have me help and quickly put me to work. First thing we have to do is put on our gear an apron and net over our hair. We have to be sure to grab the correct hair net and not make the mistake of putting on a beard net on your head because that doesn’t work very well I found that out. I helped with laundry consisting of towels and mitts they use everyday. I only did laundry for a short period of time , going forward I helped with getting meals ready for delivery. They have a very well organized system. First group adds food in the tray they have a list that generates and tells them how many meals are needed on that particular day and which type of meals need to prepared. Then the next person is in charge of the machine that seals the trays. The next person and myself had to make sure they were sealed properly so they did not leak and then I had to put them in the big warmers. They have separate warmers that are sorted by meal type example puree, low sodium, ext. When it got closer for pickup I helped Nelda , we waited for volunteers to show up and pick up meals, they handed us their number we would pull meals, put them in tubs and hand it to them. Afterwards was clean up time .
They have everything pretty much planned perfectly each day. I just helped in whichever area they needed me and I really enjoyed being able to lend a helping hand and seeing all of the volunteers that come in to help out in our community. They have 1 gentleman who came in everyday with a smiling face. He has the rural route so therefore he had many meals to deliver. The time I spent in the kitchen really opened up my eyes as to all the work that goes on beforehand in preparation for everything to go smoothly for the meals to be cooked and prepared for delivery. I was very happy to be a helper of people for our community it was very fulfilling and made my heart happy.
I had another project that happened to come up exactly during the time of my sabbatical do we call this timing?? My parents had to have some work done in their 1 and only bathroom. This was suppose to be taken care of in 4 days and it lasted throughout most of my sabbatical. The shower area had basically a makeover. A small portion of shower was suppose to be replaced but the dreaded word was discovered! MOLD was discovered as they pulled tile off and had spread and so down to the stubs it went. After Meals on Wheels I would go check on the progress that was being made each day to make sure everything was going smoothly. My dad was also, overseeing all of the work being done. Then I would take some meals to my mother and sister who were at my other sisters house or I would pick up some food. They had to spend the day there in order to have access to shower and a bathroom. This was very difficult on my mother who would get confused and wanted to be home. The shower was finally completed after 9 days was very exhausting but was grateful I had time off and being able to be there during this time.
I was also hoping to take this time also to help in my relationship with my younger sister but due to all the unexpected repairs it seemed like much progress was not made in this area. My goal is to keep working at it and baby steps are being taken. Hopefully one day through prayer and perseverance this will be accomplished.
I am very grateful and blessed to work for our company who encourages us to serve in our community, allows us to take time to work on our mind, body and soul and that we have opportunity to rest ourselves and recharge.
Blessings!