10/24/2022 Hurricane Ian FL Disaster Relief -Part 1

When Debbie is in Fl, she goes to First Baptist Church up the road from us, here in Webster. They are part of the SouthernBaptist Convention, which includes various State Disaster Relief Programs.“The mission of Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and Recovery Ministries is to “Make a difference” in times of disasterby connecting Florida Baptist Churches and Associations to people and communities impacted-by disaster and by responding with Help, Healing, and Hope, that demonstrates and shares the love of Christ”. Training in the following ministries is provided, if you’d like to become a credentialed volunteer: 

• Feeding
  
• Safe Food Handling
• Emergency Response Team
• Administrative Support
• Assessment Training
• Flood Response Training
• Trailer Safety Training
• Chaplaincy
• Temporary Child Care Training
• Introductory Communications Volunteer Training
• Communications Trailer Operations 

As a “Day Volunteer” we had to provide online info, wait for them to do a background check, and watch a few videos to see and understand the various areas we may be needed. Since we were coming in a month after the Hurricane, they needed help in the “outside kitchen” that prepares meals for the Salvation Army to distribute. The Red Cross and Salvation Army request how many meals they’ll need, they purchase the food and the “outside kitchen” prepares and “boxes” meals for them to take out and distribute in needed areas. As I said, we came in a month after, so we helped prepare 1800 hot meals for lunch and dinner distribution. In previous weeks, they were preparing 20-30,00 meals PER DAY! We got “on the job” training in proper hand washing, food handling, sanitizing, packaging, and clean up. Let me tell you, they are adamant with their procedures and good stewards of the foods provided. We started at 6:00 am to prepare meals to be picked up by 11:00 for lunch distribution. Then we prepared meals to be picked up by 4:00 for dinner distribution. Proper temperature controlled handling of food is imperative to ensure no contamination will occur before it’s distributed. Did I mention we worked in the “OUTDOOR KITCHEN?”!!!!! Did I also mention we had to wear close toed shoes and hats? I have a great story to tell you about my “closed toe” shoes. Y’all know I have a bum foot and nerve damage, so I haven’t been able to wear sneakers and very few boots for years. When I packed up my apartment and got ready for FL, I definitely did NOT bring any work clothes or boots.Do, I hit the Thrift Stores around here. I found some jeans, ans would you believe I found a pair of Vionic sneakers for $4!!!!God Bless the woman who donated a pair of size 7 Vionic sneakers to the Thrift Store in Bushnell, FL! Thank you, for you have no idea what a blessing that was for me!  I was able wear them ALL DAY for 5 days straight with minimal pain. My Aspercream/Arnica Gel wraps at night took thepain and swelling away so I could do it again the next day! 
That’s about it for Day 1 of our hurricane disaster relief adventure.