Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wonder what we DO at the Nursing Home?

By Twyla

Nursing Home Visit Information

The PWOC visit the Harugaoka Old Aged Home every other month. Traditionally, we alternate each month with Catholic Women of the Chapel. The visits are usually scheduled on a Friday @ 3:30.

The reason for every visit is to celebrate those who have their birthday in that particular month. This usually consists of 3-7 residents. These are planned visits and so we know ahead of time how many men or women are having their birthday.

When we arrive, we are led to the cafeteria where some staff and the residents are waiting for us. We come bringing gift bags filled with toiletries for each person. They are then introduced to us with their name and age. We sing them “Happy Birthday” and a picture is taken of us all by the staff.

 The next few minutes are spent greeting them and planning the next visitation. Keep in mind, that the residents LOVE seeing our children and this is a short visit.

This year, PWOC is asking for donations for the items that have gone into the gift bags. This allows more people the opportunity to take part in our only outreach ministry, especially if some cannot attend the actual visits. Hopefully this will get the word out about this wonderful opportunity to serve and to be a witness of Christ’s love to the Japanese. I can already see more women and children coming together to help in this way and it is so exciting. The donations collected in December were a wonderful help, but with two months worth of 6-7 residents having a birthday, those supplies quickly vanished.

Along with the gifts, we usually bring brownies or cookies for the “cake”. That is our gift to the staff, for without them, this outreach would not be possible. If you are interested in helping in this way, please let me know.

Our next visit to the nursing home is June, 25. We meet in the BX parking lot, near the gate at 3:30 and caravan and carpool where needed.

Thank you in advance for any support you can give to this precious ministry! To God be the glory!

Click  for currently sought donations.

Twyla – PWOC Increach/Outreach Coordinator
Misawa_outreach@yahoo.com

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