Saturday, November 25, 2017

17,716

According to my fitbit, that's how many steps I took on Thanksgiving Day.

Chuck drives one of the shuttles that picks people up from around the community and Beth rode along as a Greeter on the bus.

I lead the Busser and Server teams and for that reason, I also oversee the dining room.

Five days before Thanksgiving, our kitchen team began cooking the 28 turkeys (our church has a commercial kitchen) so they'd have time to cool before they carve them and put them on serving trays.

Three days before, we set up and place all the tables, trying to make sure there is enough room for the servers to get around, enough room to get the food carts in and out, access for wheelchairs, emergency exits... It's harder than it sounds and it took me hours to finish!

Thanksgiving day began early with the kitchen team preparing mashed potatoes, corn, yams, gravy and stuffing.


We have a Translator team who assists those who are deaf or English is their second language or even if they don't speak English at all! There are 14 teams I think: those who take the family photos, Reception Team, Table Hosts, Parking lot, Decorators...




 And it's all completely free.
 
Some of the servers preparing for the day.



The Table Hosts ready to welcome their guests



 Dinner is served!


After everyone had finished eating and was gone, we cleaned all the tables, re-set them and did it all again!


And then we did it a third time. Three different seatings where we serve a total of 1200 people. It's amazing to see the Lord work - how our feet don't hurt as much as you'd expect, how our backs remain strong even while lifting chairs and moving tables, how our spirits are joyful despite the controlled chaos! :)

At around 7:00 I headed out to the far parking lot to head home. I'll admit I was a little relieved that it was over but I couldn't get the smile off my face.


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

8 comments:

bj said...

Oh, my goodness...just look at all of you doing just exactly what GOD wants us all to do...taking care of ea other.
Much love to you.....xo

ellen b said...

Wow! That is an amazing day and service to the community! Not surprising at all that you got that many steps in! God bless you and all who served in this way.

Barb said...

Hi Cindy!

WOW! That is amazing, what a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving...by giving service to those who are in need, or just need a friend, or someone to talk to on a day that can be lonely and hard for some...you and your family are truly angels! There is nothing more gratifying than serving others...I think you had the best Thanksgiving of all... :0)

Hugs and Love,
Barb

Amrin Madolan said...

Hi Cindy!
It was amazing, a very happy experience. If I were there ...
Introduce, I am Amrin Madolan from Indonesia.
Maybe you visit my blog www.idtale.com.

Rebecca Jo said...

That is just INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!
I cant imagine how exhausted you were.
What an amazing blessing to so many!!!! Just so inspiring!

Bethany Carson said...

Wow! A lot of work went into that Thanksgiving meal! And I think we go to a lot of work just for our family gathering... The good food is always worth it though!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

God love you... you’ve got to be exhausted! That’s a lot of work and steps. I take my hat off to you ... you not only filled tummies but you also filled hearts! Go sit down and put your feet up! Xx

Adelaide Dupont said...

Beth and Cindy:

Love a big; busy; service-minded church particularly at this time of the year.

Amrin: I will visit your blog!