Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Man-Breakfasts In Burlington, NC

For all you men out there...here are three places to get a real breakfast the next time you drive through, stop by, or stay over in Burlington, NC. (Two of the following food photos have appeared in previous Facebook posts.)

Pano's Cafe
It's not a big place, but they do have Pork Brains and Eggs for $4.95!

Pano's Cafe, 1218 South Church St., Burlington, NC 27215

 Pork brains and eggs, grits, toast & coffee.

Zack's Hot Dogs
A family-run eatery icon since 1928.
Zack's Hot Dogs: 201 W. Davis St., Burlington, NC 27215 

While hot dogs typically aren't on their breakfast menu, they'll be glad to whip up a special order of dogs with the works just for you. They have their own hot sauce at the table and don't forget the Cheerwine. It's quite a way to start your day.

Danny's Cafe
 Danny's Cafe: 110 West Front Street, Burlington, NC 27215

This is Danny's famous "Chicken Slop" which is an "off-menu" item known to a few (and now known to a few more). I've already topped it with ketchup and Texas Pete. Danny's is located across from Burlington's historical train station and has an appropriately "locomotive" ambiance. Next time I might top this with sausage gravy...

Culinary Clarification
Please understand that each of these individual breakfasts were consumed over the course of the past several months in the line of ministry as part of a series of meetings with a local businessman having an interest in our work. One needs to get up rather early to eat like this!

Newsletter On The Way?!
And speaking of ministry, our latest Coshocton Flyer is fresh off the laser printer. Lord willing, we'll have it in the mail this weekend so you can soon peruse all our personal ministry news from Graham, North Carolina. There's lots going on and yet much still to do as we rely on your faithful support and prayers to keep us in the fight. Be watching your mail box or in box for your copy!

I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, "You are my servant." For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:9-10 NLT)

Monday, March 9, 2015

Something Old & Something New from Karen

It has been quite a few years since I have regularly walked the halls of a hospital. In fact, it's been long enough that it feels rather unfamiliar anymore. As I look for ways to serve in our local community it seemed logical to offer my services in an area that was once second nature to me....the local hospital.

An aerial view of Alamance Regional Medical Center

Alamance Regional Medical Center, the hospital that serves this area, is a 238 bed facility which offers outpatient services as well as in patient care. Since nearly all of my nursing experience has been in maternity I felt volunteering in the areas of Mother-Baby care and Neonatal care would be a good option. I was a bit disappointed to find that they do not use volunteers in those areas at this time. However, there was a need in other areas so I am once again walking the hospital halls. It felt strange at first to be working in the hospital but not in a nursing capacity. I've had to be a bit careful of what I pick up to do! I have the privilege of working on the Telemetry unit (heart monitoring) each week. Having a specific unit I work on allows me to get to know the staff and how to best help them when I'm there. They have all been very nice and appreciative of the help. I even got to train a new volunteer for the unit last week. It was nice to feel I had learned enough to share with someone else.

One nice difference about walking the halls as a volunteer rather than a nurse is that I have the freedom to spend time with patients and really enter into conversation. Sometimes that means just filling up an empty water picture or getting a blanket. Other times it is hearing the stories of a lonely patient who just wants to chat for a bit. Still other times I have the privilege of sitting with an anxious patient or family member and praying with them. That is a great joy! It also gives me joy to do some of the "mundane" things for the staff that they never seem to have enough time to get done. That keeps them smiling which, in my mind, makes it a better place not only for staff to work but a better place for patients to get well.

Me in my volunteer uniform

Walking the halls of the hospital is beginning to feel very familiar again to me. It's an old familiar feeling in a new way.

Over these next few blogs we'll continue to let you know how we've been sharing the love of Christ with others by serving while we wait for clarity of God's direction. Thank you for your prayers!