08/04/2017 The third annual East End Senior dinner was a huge success. It was held on July 26th at Henry’s Cove in Punta Gorda. Initially it was going to be down at the marina there, which is a lovely setting but the morning of the event it was starting to rain, with rain in the forecast. We decided to move it back up to the dining hall where it was held the first year. This event is amazing and it wouldn’t happen without the help of Live Again Ministries. This is the 3rd year I’ve worked with Nidia and Because We Care, and Live Again Ministry has supported us all the way, financially, emotionally and lovingly. This group comes to this island and every time they have to go home, they leave a little piece of their heart tucked somewhere on Roatán. I know this to be true, I see it in their faces. I see it in the faces of the people they touch. Mighty fine people.
This luncheon was one for the books. It was an epic event. The weather didn’t co-operate, but we didn’t let that put a stop to the fun. This was the liveliest, most fun party I’ve been to, especially one that was all seniors.
The people began arriving early, all of them eager to see friends they haven’t seen since last year. They were served water and drinks while the band played and they mingled amongst each other.
We had hundreds of pairs of new readers brought down by LAM so Nidia asked Miss Peggy if she had any volunteers to help ensure the people got the correct lens for their needs. This was amazing, every single person got new readers they could actually see with. There were 2 young adults and a father with 2 daughters. There were wonderful and I think they provided a really fantastic contribution to all of the attendees.
The first course of the meal was soup, then onto a big plate of food. Afterwards there was ice cream and they all took home cake and a rice pudding.
We had drawings throughout the day, people won trips on the Galaxy Wave Ferry to La Ceiba, 2 nice foam pillows were won by many and some others won baskets of food. The oldest person from each community was also given a food basket with $50.00 worth of food in it.
So many wonderful things happened that day.
Our musicians had the place rocking, especially when they played “Kick the Devil Out.” All it took was these two volunteers to get the music in them and they had the whole place feeling it.
If the people weren’t up dancing, they were chair dancing. Some of them didn’t walk to where they were going, they danced. It was fabulous. Even the beautiful minister from Helene was dancing!
When the party was over and it was time to go home they were given ball caps, handkerchiefs for men and women, washcloths, toothpaste, so many nice gifts for them.
The smiles on their faces as they left told the story of the day. They reconnected with old friends, saw neighbors they rarely see, they sang and danced and were waited on and pampered, as they all so deserve.
Without Nidia and BWC and Live Again Ministries, all of our donors and all of the volunteers, it wouldn’t have happened.
I was so tired when I got home I had stove top stuffing for dinner, (my friend Trish asked if I cooked it) showered and went to bed.
So happy to have met Nidia, she is the most energizing person I know. She gets things done despite any obstacles she may face. I will be alongside her helping however I can, as will the Live Again Ministry group. They are an amazing group of people, Roatan loves you. Once again Pastor Ronny, this one’s for you. You’re the best and were missed this year.
The Fourth Annual Senior’s Luncheon is something I am looking forward to already.
Mermaid on a Raft 