What have we been up to?

It's been 2 days already, so what have we been doing?
First off, for those who have no idea where we are, see http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/sagerbrown/ for a lot of background information.  This facility is mainly a processing warehouse for relief supplies that are packaged here for use around the world - whenever and wherever they are needed.  For this week there are at least 50 volunteers, mostly part of 3 groups from Minnesota, who are donating their time in a lot of ways.  As first-timers, it was suggested that we spend some time in the depot.  This is a warehouse where many things come in the front door in bulk, and are re-packaged into "kits".  On Monday, Bob was in the warehouse where 4 different kits were being created: school supplies, general health, birthing kits, and baby care kits.  At least 2 more kits could have been created, but these 4 are in highest demand right now.  About 30 or more people were creating the various kits, while another 5-10 were packaging, boxing, and palletizing them so that they are ready for immediate shipment anywhere they need to go.  Paige was in the sewing center where maybe 8 more people were running a sewing operation to make blankets and book bags, and anything else out of fabric.  Paige has learned to run a serger and makes receiving blankets out of flannel by putting a nice edge around them.

That was yesterday.  Today, Paige returned to the sewing group, while Bob joined one of 2 teams working in the neighboring communities.  He was part of a 5-person crew who spent the day building a wheelchair access ramp into a local resident's trailer home.  The need for such ramps is increasing from what we hear.  Another crew had spent yesterday and today preparing to raise a house.  It had been built on grade and the floors have seen moisture damage.  It sounds like they will be ready to lift it tomorrow and inspect the underside to see what can be done to make it last awhile longer.

This place runs on volunteer efforts with 50-60 people each week coming from all around the country to give of their time, talents, and efforts.  Normal weeks are 25 to 30 hours per week, but during periods of high demand (Katrina, Rita, Haiti, etc) they can more than double that.

Tomorrow will be a half day, with the afternoon reserved for possible sightseeing.  Those who wish to keep on working are allowed to do so, but it will be their own call.

One surprise for us is how well they feed us here.  There are 3 buffet style meals daily.  The choices are home made authentic area choices.  For example, we've had boiled shrimp and sausage with spicy, boiled potatoes for lunch today and gumbo (chicken and sausage) with rice and potato salad for dinner.  Lunch and supper come with dessert; examples are ice cream with brownies, bread pudding.  Breakfast has many options also; oatmeal, grits, eggs, sausage, bacon.  As you can see, we need to work hard to burn the calories here!