A Week in the Life

For those that are curious . . .

Upon arising in the morning, it's up, dressed, and out to feed Cowboy (the horse) and check on the chickens. After about 45 minutes I'm in the car, going . . . somewhere!

Monday I drove my car to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina in Winston-Salem and brought back about 500 lbs of food, mostly frozen meats but some "salvage" groceries too. That's a big chunk of the day, taking about 5 1/2 hours total to complete. I leave from my home about 9:30 am in Happy Valley of Caldwell County, take NC 268 to Wilkesboro and US-421 and I-40 the rest of the way arriving in W-S about 11 or so. Then back on US-421 to Boone, paid some bills and arrive back at the FaithBridge offices in Blowing Rock usually by 2 pm. Then unload, stock shelves, prepare for Food Pantry opening on Tuesday, and somewhere in there, grab a bite to eat. Then meet with Marianne (Senior Pastor) for a few minutes, and on this particular Monday the Casting Bread Board met and discussed, what else?, money! we also talked about fundraisers, the coming webpage and put a cargo van on the wish list. Headed down the mountain about 6:30 to a world class meal prepared by my favorite son, Robert! Then it's vege time (and phone time with Carol) in front of the TV until bed time!

Tuesday, it was up to Blowing Rock at 9:30 for Casting Bread (Tues/Wed 11 to 4). It was a BUSY day! We served 25 families and distributed about 1000 lbs of food! volunteer and church member Johnny came in at 1:30 so I could attend staff meeting. We stayed fairly busy all day with the last client coming in at 3:50. Then straightened up the shelves, restocked as well as I could with what we had, and spent some "Holy Time" with friend Linda. Headed home about 6 or so, went to the feed store and Wal-mart in Lenoir, and then collapsed in front of the TV with 1/2 a watermelon! After another excellent meal, fed Cowboy and collected eggs, and again enjoyed my tv time.

Wednesday was a little easier client wise, but I spent an intense day in front of the computer catching up on data entry from Tuesday, doing my month end report for Second Harvest, meeting with Pastor about the memorial service on Saturday, and a few other sundry tasks. I managed to get home fairly early for a change, about 6! I think . . . it's hard for me to remember that far back!

Thursday, another trip to Second Harvest, but this time in Terry's "ginormous" truck!! I LOVE that truck! It's a big 2500 cc Duramax Diesel 3/4 ton pick-up with a crew cab, AC, cruise control, and really comfortable seats! Makes the trip MUCH better! My car's ac is out :-( This trip too a little longer as I was able to bring back 1600 lbs of food. Yes, I pick it up and load it myself. SH staff is not allowed to help . . . liability. Back in Blowing Rock had the help of the wonderful Alyson E. and it was unloaded in no time! Then I had the help of 7 yr old grand-monster Allie putting it all away! Well, most of it anyway. She was a BIG help!! Exhausted, headed home about 6:30, again collapsing in front of the TV!

Friday is my "sabbath," my day of rest. Some Fridays are more spiritual than others . . . today I did N*O*T*H*I*N*G!!! Well, except computing, watching news at noon, and napping. I do feed my horse too! He would come in the back door if I didn't! When I get through with this, I'll be off to the store.

Tomorrow, will be laundry, study and prep for Sunday (Pastor's going to the beach!!), and assisting with the memorial service at 4:00. There's also the homemade Ice Cream Social that the church men's group is doing . . . I won't be missing that!

Then Sunday, is of course Church (The Blowing Rock School auditorium on Sunset Drive) and I will be teaching two classes afterward. (Next Sunday I get to preach!) Then home about 6:30. Monday morning, I get to start all over again! (You have a question? When do I clean my house? You're kidding, right? LOL)

So, that's it . . . A week in the life. In between all of this stuff, I talk to God and consult with Him on most everything. At night before I go to sleep, I read a bit of the current book (now Spiritual Traditions of the Contemporary Church) and I do find some time for scripture outside of my regular study time.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you!

Pastor Tracey