Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Cherry Hill

It was pretty chilly this morning but we are getting back to normal temperatures tomorrow.  It was 26 degrees and there was a light frost and I saw a couple of people scraping their windshields early this morning before the sun was up.  I'm starting down the farm loop road here and you can see the frost on the grass.  There was no wind at all and the sun did come out so it was actually very nice out.
I saw the usual robins and one just stood at the side of the road as I passed by so took his picture.
I'm coming down the other side of the farm loop here and you can see how the sun has come out now.  The school is off to the left and you can see town up ahead to the right.
Once I got back to town, I walked around one of the cemeteries and around the loop behind the ball park before going back home.

I walked 6 miles.
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I've been reading in the church bulletin for some weeks now that on Thursday mornings there is a Nursing Home Ministry at Cherry Hill.  I feel my heart is telling me that I should get involved in this so I asked Pastor about it.  He told me to speak with Pastor Grant, the youth pastor.  It turns out he goes there with his guitar and sings some hymns and has a short message for the residents who want to participate.

He is the only one who goes there from church and now it will be the two of us.  : )  I got there early and some of the residents were already starting to gather in the lounge area.  I told  one of the workers there who I was and that I was supposed to meet Pastor Grant.  Some people where in wheel chairs others were arriving with their walkers and some were already sitting in chairs.  I helped getting some of them settled and then sat down on the couch and started visiting with them.  There were about a dozen people.

11:30 is the time that Pastor arrives and today when he came in the door, one of the ladies said to him, "You're late today."  He laughed and said, "Yes, by 12 seconds."  I guess she was really looking forward to him coming. : )

I just sat with the residents and sang the hymns with Pastor.  Now, I can not sing at all but no one seemed to mind and I really enjoyed it.  Some of them joined in the singing too and it was really a nice time.  I don't know how this will evolve for me but I plan on going there every Thursday.

Cherry Hill is only about about 4 miles from my house and is off a road on the farm loop where I walk.  If you're wondering if I walked there, no I didn't.  There and back would have been a bit too much for a second walk of the day and  2 1/2 miles of it is straight up a mountain.

This is not the nursing home that Harry is in - he is 20 miles from where I live. Though I will still stop in to see Harry every so often I don't feel like I'm needed there as much as here.  Harry is by no means alone and sad.  He has many visitors and is loved by everyone.
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I've been working on sewing more squares together this afternoon.

After supper we are going to Walmart to do some food shopping and also stopping at the Shop and Save.  This week Hagan ice cream is on sale so we are going to stock up again.  4 for $10 sounds like a good deal to me. : )

Hope your day is going along smoothly and that you are enjoying it.
happyone : )
We grow neither better or worse as we get old,
but more like ourselves.
~ May L Becker
Three Happy Things
  1. Warm weather is coming back
  2. Listening to my heart and discovering Cherry Hill
  3. Looking forward to that new supply of ice cream

9 comments:

Beth said...

Bless your heart for caring enough about the ones in the nursing home to volunteer your time. I am sure it meant so much to them, and as my mom would always say, 'you will get your rewards in heaven.'

Happy@Home said...

Wow Karen, you never cease to inspire me. What a kind and caring thing to do. I know you will be bringing so much happiness to the residents of Cherry Hill.

Vee said...

Ministering at a nursing home is The Lord's work. What a nice fit for you with this one so close to home. (Glad that you will check in on Harry once in a while, too. Sounds just like you! )

Deb J. in Utah said...

I love that you are going to get involved with the Thursday morning ministry at Cherry Hill. How wonderful that you will be there to be a friend and serve the people there. God is smiling, I just know it!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a great ministry for you to get involved with.. I'm sure that God will direct you --as to what you can do to help with that ministry...

After dealing for years with George's Dad and Mom before they died, I know that elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) love to be talked to and listened to... They need someone to CARE. You could take your Bible and read to them ---or just let them talk... Sometimes they will make sense and sometimes not...ha.. BUT--just being there will be so important to them... Thank You for what you are doing.

Hugs,
Betsy

Optimistic Existentialist said...

You are always so caring :) I like that about you! And I love that shot of the robin!

Retired Knitter said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking on this visitation at the nursing home.

I am at my mom's nursing home 6 days a week, and I can tell you that there isn't enough interest in these folks. Very sad. I am so glad you are spreading your sunny disposition with them. And once you get to know them, they will also be noticing when you arrive :-). Actually talking with these folks can be very interesting.

The elderly are usually discounted - because of mental and or physical limitations. But I assure you that God doesn't discount these dear souls - so neither should we.

Miss you.

Anonymous said...

The robin is saying "Take my picture."
I think the Cherry Hill Nursing Home ministry is a good fit for you.
Mary Jo

dot said...

I spent all of my nursing career in nursing homes. I know you are doing a good thing. They need visitors!