Author: Nellie Clark

My Sabbatical this year consisted of volunteering at Meals on Wheels. Last year I switched it up and I worked in the kitchen with the staff. This year I decided I would deliver again so I could have more of an interaction with the clients. I was given routes where they didn’t have their normal drivers come in or were out sick.

Day 1
Today was quite an adventure because as I am getting off my exit on S.7th there are little fires burning everywhere off side of the highway.
The fire department was there and had them under control but it was very smokey. I start my delivery which consisted of many streets and clients all in the same neighborhood. I get it done but there was one little lady, whom I did enjoy talking with about her plants and her yard. I also, had one little dog try to attack me which was suppose to be restrained. I had to open and close the door several times until it jumped off the couch and I was able to set meal down on the couch. Later I was informed she has dementia and her daughter puts dog in the kennel but her mother feels bad for the dog and lets it out. This is the only day I delivered in this neighborhood.

Day 2 & Day 3
I was in the same neighborhood for 2 days in a row. When you get to deliver more than 1 day in a row clients start to get a little more use to you. I spoke with one little lady who was 87 and said her husband had passed 2 years ago. She takes care of her son who is in his 60’s and has had 4 heart attacks. She was sitting outside in her chair and we had a good little chat. The next day one little man was sad I would not be coming to deliver anymore because he said he gets lonely and doesn’t have anyone to talk with.

Day 4
My delivery today was very nice a had a little apartment complex for senior citizens. Everyone was very happy to see me some were waiting outside and could tell I was new because I kept looking at my map. One little man was in his wheelchair next to the bus pickup are where I was parked next to. He asked if he could have my suburban. He wanted it because it would be easy for him to put his wheelchair in the back. He said it still looked very good and for me to be sure to check my belts at least every 2 years.

I enjoy delivering because many of these people don’t have alot of interaction with people and they enjoy conversating. I am very grateful that we are able to take a sabbatical and be able to volunteer and make a difference. I want to thank Kris and the Board for being so generous and giving us this opportunity. -LEO-

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!

Sorry for the delay in my post, I had an unexpected glitch today.  I was on top of things got up early got a lot accomplished before it was just about time for me to leave.   Got ready and was about to leave or thought I was but, my vehicle did not start.  I  felt a little stressed but my neighbor came to my rescue and let me borrow her vehicle so I could make my delivery route on time.   I invited her to come with me but she declined.   I made my rounds and let everyone know it would be my last day and had so many good conversations with my newfound friends.  I had a sweet little lady  said her daughter convinced her to get set up on Meals on Wheels because she had recently had surgery.  Said she really didn’t want to but it sure had helped her.  She was very appreciative for the meal and that I took the time to volunteer.   I had another couple that the husband always was the one to answer the door.  He  told me I needed to keep that smile I have not only for them but to be sure and share with everyone.  He introduced me to his wife and she said she really appreciated me taking the time to serve and for Meals on Wheels.  She shared that she was really sick and their vehicle didn’t work and that by the end of the month the meals we deliver is sometimes all they had to eat.  This was very heartbreaking to me.  I relayed the information to Gloria at Meals on Wheels and she said they would get someone out to visit with them to see if they are aware that Meals on Wheels  also provides a service where they can receive groceries.  I did not know this so I was very glad I shared it with her.  Being able to take the time to volunteer at Meals on Wheels was so rewarding.  I really am very grateful for FDLIC  giving us the time and opportunity to be of service in our community, read our devotional and book, rest and reflect is Such a Blessing!

Today was a very good day I had more people added which was a total of 15.

Some of them are becoming more familiar with me coming  and are more talkative.  I had one gentleman who commented on his food because it was popcorn shrimp said he loved seafood especially from down South.  He then proceeded to tell me a story where he and some friends were having a fish fry and having to feed over 100 people.  He said they had a 35, 25 & couldn’t remember size of 3rd fish.  They had a big cast iron deep pan they were using, poured the oil let it get hot and he thought it was ready. His friend said let me show you a trick, he threw a match in the oil and it did not ignite so he said nope it isn’t ready.  They repeated this process until it finally did ignite.  He said they would throw the fish in it would sink to the bottom and within minutes it would float to top and was ready to be taken out.  He said match trick keeps the fish from being greasy due to oil being just right said it was perfect & so delicious.  He said they ate till night time and needed plenty of Tums .  He was so happy and laughing when he was reminiscing about good times.  Very nice day with everyone.  I then came home and read some from the Power of Humility, by R.T Kendall .  Tomorrow I will see what it brings and who shares with me.

Monday I showed up to start my mini-sabbatical at Meals on Wheels.  Received  my route and I loaded up.  The route was a little overwhelming this day because it was all Apartment Complexes  off of Catclaw.   I have 4 different complexes Copper Creek, Newport Village ,Timber Ridge , Tyler Grand and then 1 residence.  It took me a little longer than what I wanted but I finally found everyone.  It was like a maze at times.  Everyone was very nice at Meals on Wheels office and they were excited I volunteered to do my sabbatical with them.

I had something unexpected happen again on Thursday when I made my last delivery stop.  I went to the door expecting to visit with  Mr. Charles or really half expecting him not to answer due to his wife passing.   I rang the bell and a  little lady answered the door and she immediately informed me you are suppose to deliver 2 meals.  I thought perhaps it  was a relative so I let her know I brought 1 meal  due to Mrs. Gladys passing.  She  said I am Gladys who told you I passed,  my heart skipped a beat??  She said I have been in the hospital but they let me come home last night.  I explained that her husband told me she passed the previous night and she said well I am very much alive as you can see.   She said Charles has been telling people that she has passed.  Her niece has gotten a visit in the past from APD also informing her that Gladys had passed when obviously she had not.  She then jokingly asked who did you think I was the other woman already???  Very awkward, but then again kinda of humorous and also relieved she was very much alive.  So I called Gloria afterwards @ Meals on Wheels and gave her an update,  said they had already marked her as deceased and taken her off the list.   She would  take care of getting another meal delivered & also sending a case worker to check on things.    Very interesting.

I have been doing my volunteer work at Meals on Wheels since Monday.  The first day I met  with Gloria and she assigned me a route which happened to be in my neighborhood.  I made the rounds which was slightly different from the usual because I didn’t have a wing man like we do at work.  I made it through with the help of  my friend Google Maps and managed to finish without any mess ups.

On the second day,  my sister  Elda wanted to help and I gladly accepted.  This time the route was different and it was in the Fairway Oaks area which also included the Dialysis Center.  We met several friendly people today. We had one stop that was for a little old couple Charles and Gladys .  We only spoke with  Charles and  their little dog Mini.  He was a very sweet man.

My niece  Victoria, who is Elda’s daughter came in from Arlington area  today and I got to visit with her .  We told her about our route and she wanted to help me on Wednesday.  She drove to my house  and off we went which also allowed us to catch up during our route.  We happened to get the same route as I had on Tuesday.   When we came to our last stop which was the little couple,  Charles told us Gladys had  passed away during the night.  It was so sad but he said she had been hospitalized for awhile now.  We visited with him and then said our goodbyes.  I called the office to let Gloria know and she said she would report it to caseworker.   I just never expected something like this to happen.

During the evening time I went with Laurie and Sonya to the Fields of Faith at Shotwell Stadium.  The music and speakers were awesome and it was amazing to see hundreds of our youth accepting Christ. Very powerful.

I don’t know which route I will have today but I am blessed to be able to help. Very grateful that our company gives us the opportunity to go out in the community to  be servants and  also to stop and rest our minds, body and souls which I needed very much so.  Worked on relationship with my niece who is going through difficult situation and this time allowed us to be able to talk.   Read my bible and my devotional. This has been a very good sabbatical week and I feel that God has placed me in very different situations this week but it was where I was needed to be.  Thank you all.  Blessings.

1. Today was a very productive day again.  I was working on the labels that are going to be tied to the gift bags.  They each have to be stamped with Pregnancy Resources and then they will add the name on the other side of the label.I also had to make five more Bows for notepads.  After that I joined some other ladies that were working on the Terra cotta pots.  We had squares of  green tissue paper that will be used as the leaves for the  cupcake flowers.  We had to carefully position them onto the toothpicks.  This is what they look like and then before the event they will position each cupcake regular size and mini ones to create the floral arrangement.Tomorrow is going to be my final adventure. I look forward to seeing what it may bring.

Today I worked on something that does not come easy to me.  At the fundraiser they will be having some gift bags to hand out to I believe she said to the board members?  I was given notepads, pens and ribbon .  I had to measure out ribbon to required size of 24 inches, cut, and then make a bow to go around  pad and clip the pen on it. It was a very nice silver ribbon that I had to work with.  The problem was making the bow look nice and fancy. Holly said it’s just like tying your shoes.    Evidently this is not my calling because I did not find it to be that simple but in the end I think it all turned out presentable.  I will definitely need to pray & read my devotional tonight . So  tomorrow I will be able to bring out my creativity in whatever they need me to do.  Blessings.

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I am behind on doing my final blog from last week.  Today I started in the warehouse, Esther wanted me to finish the inventory section I had been working on.  I completed that task and then had the privilege in joining Mr. Sal and Tomorrow for breakfast during our break.  I  then had to say my goodbyes to them until I am able to come back and volunteer again.  I went in to the office worked on my inventory and then talked with each of the ladies  and Mr. Michael Bob to let them know this would be my last day.  Each person had something special to say about how they got started working there or what it meant to them to be a part of Global Samaritan.  I am so glad that God brought me here to this special organization and I feel that he has led me here for a reason.    Today Global has shipped goods to people in need in more than 30 countries on five continents. Global Samaritan has provided millions of US Dollars of humanitarian aid, water purification and disaster relief.

Today I woke up had breakfast and off I went to (GS) little did I know I was in for a big surprise.   I got started on logging in the inventory information I was working on yesterday, and when it was about to be 9:00 Julie came to get me because she knew I wanted to attend their Wednesday morning prayer service.  As we walked into the room where they gather she said now where else can you work and get together and pray for each other and for request that come in.   I  was so proud to let her know  that we have the privilege to do that everyday of the workweek.  She was curious if everyone gathered together.  I explained that we have a prayer circle each morning @ 8:20 and everyone is welcome if they wish to do so.   I let her know how it gets my morning going in a positive direction and how I miss it if for some reason I couldn’t make it.   Our little prayer circle at Global was for an hour and consisted of Julie, Myra and myself .  Julie started with Declarations for God’s favor and then she read a prayer of Intercession to rescind any  dark spirits to get out and Welcomed the Holy Spirit.  It was much like our FDLIC circle, we prayed for specific prayer request that had been submitted, we each had our own request, they prayed for Gods Favor for Global Samaritan & One very important request they had is that they are in need of a plane to get Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates here in September for a dinner that he will be speaking at.  The plane they usually use had to cancel on them suddenly.  They also prayed for FDLIC for sending much needed volunteers.

Next I had the pleasure of taking a longer tour today of the facility with  Mr. Sal who works in the warehouse.  He showed me the furniture room where different pieces are stored, the book room where they have all varieties of books that have been donated, a supply room full of classroom materials and computers.  They also have a wood working room where a group comes together and builds  ramps for people who are in need of one.  This place just gets more interesting by the day!!! I will see what awaits for me tomorrow.

Well today my reading is from my morning & evening  devotional Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado. God walks Among the suffering, He took our suffering on him and carried our diseases. Matthew 8:17

Picture a battleground strewn with wounded bodies and you see Bethesda. Imagine a nursing home overcrowded and understaffed, remember the orphans in Bangladesh or the abandoned in New Delhi and you will see what people saw when they passed Bethesda.  What did they hear? An endless wave of groans, suffering and need.  What did they do? Most walked past. But not Jesus.   Do you ever feel ill at ease around people in great need?  How do you respond to them? How would God respond to them?   These are questions we all need to stop and think about.

Today I stopped and just observed at all the action that was being carried on at Global Samaritan.  There is so much that is being accomplished with such a small staff and with the help of much needed volunteers.  Through their hard work and selflessness they are doing good by helping our neighbor, across all boundaries.   I think God would approve.

My help was needed today to input the data that has been documented in regards to their medical supply inventory.  Kathy who is also a volunteer  went over the categories that we are logging everything under and how to do additional research on a specific item if needed.  Yesterday I worked on documenting this  information  so today it made it easier to understand what I was logging.  It was a bit slow, tedious and time consuming because you have to be detailed, specific,  and accurate as possible on description.  The purpose for this is because the Auditors would like this to be done.   Also, it  is all part of a long term goal that Esther has that when an Organization has a need they will eventually be able to go to Global  site and search the inventory to see if  their need can be filled.   We have a lot of logging to do but by doing a little everyday brings them closer to their goal.  It is rewarding to know that I am playing a little part in helping them achieve this goal eventually.

Tomorrow I will see where they may need me the most!!!

Today was my first day of my mini sabbatical at Global Samaritan Resources.   The name “Global” suggest they serve people all around the world.   Which they do,  but Global begins at North 1st in Abilene, TX.    They  supply dozens of Abilene non-profit partners and work behind the scenes by opening their warehouse to them when there is a need.  My go to person there was Esther who is in charge of the Warehouse & Logistics.  The campus  and warehouse takes up an entire city block near downtown Abilene.  Esther gave me a mini tour because I had already attended a luncheon their previously and was somewhat familiar with the premises.  My assignment today was initially going to be  to catch them up on some data entry,  but  the lady who was going to train me fell ill.   So we went to plan B and I caught Esther up on some of her filing and also helped Myra with sorting and trashing some mail and correspondence she had been collecting for years under her desk.   That was quite a challenge because it all looked like junk mail to me and I had to be very careful not to just assume that it was.  After all the sorting I did she kept about a handful of documents and I trashed about 2 boxes full and took them quickly to the shred container before she changed her mind.  She was very grateful for my help and said she hadn’t been able to put her feet under that particular desk in quite some time.  My air conditioned time was up since I had done all they needed inside  the office for the moment, so out to the hot warehouse I went.  There I was introduced to Sal and Tomorrow, yes that is really her name Tomorrow.  She is a very nice young lady and she showed me the ropes on how to do medical inventory.  After we went over everything she set up a work area for me and a very nice big water cooler fan.  I did inventory on different types of medical supplies, I had to log them on a sheet, put a sticker on them showing date and my initials so they know that particular area has been done.  If the supplies are expired I had to put them in a separate area and then they decide whether it has to be disposed of or  if they can somehow still be used.  I had a very eventful day and am looking forward to see what tomorrow may bring and how I can be of service to them.  Blessings.

I went on Thursday to volunteer again, looking forward to helping out up at the front desk. We did have one other volunteer show up who was getting a refresher course because she used to volunteer but it had been awhile since she had been there. I read some more of the training guide and answered the phone. On this day we had mostly clients coming in for assistance with diapers, formula and wipes. If they needed someone to talk to they can also get counseled and some would request prayer. I asked the ladies if pharmaceutical reps. brought in any formula donations but they said they have tried and they do not. They rely solely on donations. We did have BeltWay show up with donations of wipes and diapers. This is my second time to do my Sabbatical at Pregnancy Resources and I have learned a lot more this time around. I have a lot of respect for what these ladies do and for the genuine care and love that they show these young girls. What they receive here sometime may be the only people they have to turn to, some do not have family here in town, others do have family but are from broken,unstable homes. I am saddened by what some of these girls have gone through in life at such a young age, but I am very relieved that we do have an organization such as Pregnancy Resources that they can turn to for help. I also got to spend much needed time with my parents and took care of many Dr. Appts. I also got to rest during our rainstorm 🙂 It was wonderful!! I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and would like to thank Kris and the board for this, because it came at a time when I really needed it. Thank you all !!

Today was amazing!!! I took Gab to school, picked up some Tamales to take over to my parents and had breakfast with them and then I was off to my volunteer time.  I took in my paperwork that I had to complete if I wanted to be a regular volunteer and then had to have an interview with Mary.  She went over all of the requirements and she reviewed where my interest and strengths are.  I will be able to be a silent witness now and if I want to be able to do pregnancy tests I will have to volunteer a little more often.  She  trained me on the phone and explained whom took what particular calls in the office, and what services they provided and if they do not provide those services she explained which organizations I should  direct them to.  Kris trained me on how they want their charts done and what  questions to ask clients when they come to the window.  I will not be able to practice tomorrow because of Matt’s surgery but I will  be doing this on Thursday because so far I am the only other volunteer for that day and this is when they are really busy handing out diapers and formula to those families in need.  I learned a lot today and really enjoy the company of all the employees  became more familiar with the nurses. Everyone makes you feel so welcome, and they are so understanding, caring, and I feel the passion they have for their calling as they  try to help the clients that come in. Loved it!!!Until Thursday 🙂

Today I begin my sabbatical, as I wake up the first thing that pops up in my mind is how blessed I am to work for a company that allows us to have this privilege.  I begin by cooking breakfast for my parents and taking it over to their house. I stayed until it was time to go to Pregnancy Resources. When I arrived it was good to see all the friendly familiar faces Kris and Mary. They welcomed me back and I was started on reading a training manual for volunteers, its about Planting A Seed.  I am to read this manual because I want to be a silent witness when needed during the ultrasounds.  Also, because I plan to be a volunteer whenever I am able to.  I read and helped with pulling files and was to listen to phone call responses so I can also be trained in that. I feel very pleased with the time I had there and observing how everyone is so helpful and caring.  I then left and went to do some rat killing in getting paperwork, paperwork, paperwork for Matt’s hand surgery on Wednesday. Please keep him in your prayers.  Until tomorrow.

Yesterday was the end of my sabbatical week  and I have to say I had an amazing week. I spent my time volunteering  at Pregnancy Resources. My days were mainly filled with office work, I helped with stocking the rooms with folders and pamphlets if needed. I also made additional folders and charts for them and copies of whatever they were running low on.  I was given a tour of the building and was informed of different areas that they help out with and counsel. I was hoping to be able and sit in on a sonogram but it was a slow week due to the nurse being out.  I also learned that they have volunteers who are doing their internship and from many others who just enjoy volunteering or from stay at home moms.  I am very thankful  for all that Pregnancy Resources provides for our community and that all who are in need or have no one  to turn to can seek their guidance.

During the week I was also able to get appointments and tests run  that I have been neglecting.  I was able to visit friends and family that I usually dont have time to go visit. I was able to assist them in their yard work that they have a hard time doing due to their age which really meant alot to  both of  us.  This also gave me the time to visit my parents more often and spend quality time with them, my kids and a cousin who is here on her vacation. I was able to spend time and talk with my youngest niece and counsel her with some problems she is going through.  My yard, garage and storage bldg. also look so much better.

This week really meant alot to me it was truly a blessing.   I am very happy that Ray got me in contact with the ladies at Pregnancy Resources and that I was able to help them out.  I want to especially give my thanks to Kris and the Board and everyone else that has made this possible, especially my coworkers who have taken care of my duties while I have been gone.  Thank you All!!