If You Ever Serve in a Young Single Adult Ward....

I have had two different homes over the past 3 years. The above picture shows one of two different church buildings that reside on the same lot. Each building has 2 different Chapels, Relief Society Rooms, Gymnasiums, 4 Bishop offices, and a variety of classrooms.  This was my first 'home' beginning 3 years ago.

This became my second 'home' during the 2nd year of our service. This is the James E Talmage building on the campus of Brigham Young University (Provo).

In my second home, I was greeted weekly by Kung Fu Panda at the front door!

Inside this room, the Auditorium was transformed into a Chapel for Sacrament Meeting.  Then, it transformed again into a Classroom.  Everyone loved the cushy seats and Multi-media facilities.  One of my favorite Sunday School lessons was a "Family Feud" type of game that was put up on the big screen. Everyone loved that lesson!

Toward the end of my service opportunity, we again returned home to this beautiful building with this fabulous backdrop.

Each Semester started with new members of our Young Single Adult Ward providing their information.  We did it with a 'high tech' option using Google.

Then, new members were asked to write their name and apartment number on the glass of a frame.  They held these frames in front of them as their picture was taken for the Ward Directory (or Ward Menu depending upon who you were talking to).  I had the opportunity to take the photos, crop and enhance the photos (everyone wanted to look good you know) and publish our cyber Ward Directory/Menu for everyone in the ward.

There were lots of 'Fun and Games" from Sponge Volley ball, a giant Slip-N-Slide etc...

As well as taking on new challenges a few hundred feet above the ground.....

To providing needed service for others.

One common theme was food....

and food...

and more food....

Oh, and more food (Break the Fast).

If you are wondering where I am going, I am offering a very public "Thank you" to all of the Young Single Adults that we have had the opportunity that we have had to serve with them over the past 3 years.  Yesterday was a bitter-sweet day. My husband and I were released from serving with these incredible individuals. As it turned out, the Chorister did not arrive in time to lead the music in Sacrament Meeting.  I decided to pinch-hit.  Little did I know that the closing hymn was "God be with you 'til we meet again".  Let's just say I did a lot of smiling with tears streaming down my face as these tremendous young people sang this hymn with us.  I cried for 3 hours straight as I received hugs and "thank you's" from so many.  

So, today as I reflect on the tremendous opportunity I have had, I have decided to offer advice and suggestions to others who are called to serve with and blessed by these tremendous individuals. 

The Little Red Hen's suggestions for Sisters called to serve in a Young Single Adult Ward:

• You need to carry an Apron in your car:  I am not kidding.  You need an Apron as there is food at nearly every turn.  You will have the opportunity to provide meals and snacks for Family Home Evening, Break-the-Fast (each month), Barbecues, Camping Trips, Repelling Activities, Relief Society Weekday Meetings, and even Ward Council.  Don't be overwhelmed by this, just enjoy the journey. These YSA's traditionally don't eat a balanced diet or cook for themselves. They will express their appreciation and thanks for everything you do here. The hugs are 'payment' enough in my view.
• Learn to cook for a crowd:  I won't lie, this was overwhelming for me initially.  If you don't know where to turn, you really do have options. Check with trusted friends and family.  Often, I used Google and Pinterest to find new ideas of things to try.  You can even do a search for "Cooking for a Crowd" and find a lot of options. I learned that I can make a large Cheesecake in a Flat sheet cookie pan, make 'perfect' pie crust, make a variety of salads (pasta and fresh), make pulled pork in a Roaster Oven, and more.  I have learned to make a boatload of rolls using my bread machine to mix my dough.  Oh, and always have zip-loc type bags ready at all meals/snacks that you offer. These fun people are always game to take any left-overs with them!  I once learned that a YSA young  man ate a Queso-Blanco cheese ball and crackers from my home for a week as he didn't have time to go shopping.  I wish this was an exception....but it really isn't for some:)
• Learn to be Digital!  These folks are 'wired'.  They really don't know what it is like 'not' to be near a cellphone or computer. It has been part of their entire life.  I have learned to use Powerpoint and video when I taught classes. They are very attentive and you will have increased participation. As you might expect, there is constant change in a YSA ward.  I learned how to have orientation information, presentations, and the 'handbook' with highlighted information on my IPAD.  I have had to pull them out to help the newly-called Sisters learn what their responsibilities (at a moment's notice) as the Stake Leaders may not have a chance to orient them for up to a month due to scheduling.  I also provided training at Relief Society Presidency Meetings and answered questions using my digital media. The Church has tremendous materials for our use, and these young folks respond very well to it.  I have never received as many texts as much in my life as I have been by these good young folks.  Some of the texts were pretty funny as well.
• Be Flexible:  Things do not always go as planned.  Be ready to jump in at a moment's notice. This is not the time to be shy!  Give encouragement where it is needed as well as praise.  This is often the first real opportunity for some of these young folks to serve out from under the umbrella of their parents. There will be meetings as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late at 10:30 p.m. (please know these times are the exceptions).  But early and late do occur. The reason being is because this is when these good folks are available.  
• Take notes:  I am not kidding, not only will you need them, but others will as well.  I opened one note on my IPAD and took notes for Ward Council. I kept the same note and just added on to the top of it during each meeting. When someone had a question about something that happened previously, I had the answer!
• Take pictures!:  I am so glad I did this.  The reason being that after the first 2 years, our ward was dissolved to make way for the second MTC.  At the 'end of the semester' party, I had enough photos to make a video that included everyone and so many of the memories we had made together. Just know that we didn't have enough tissues at the end of the video.
• Be friendly!:  Remember how stressful it was to go to a new ward as a Young Single Adult?  Now times it by 170-200 people and you can get an idea of how tenuous it can be for these young people.  Extend your hand and introduce yourself...over and over again. Also ask for their patience as you learn their names.  I tried to use Mnemonic devices to associate something unique about each YSA to their name. I was not totally successful with everyone, but this memory technique took me a long way. It was easy for these YSA's to know who I was....as I was the token "Old Lady of the Ward".  I was traditionally the only 'mature Sister', in church on Sunday.
• Chances are that you will need to be ready to help serve at Stake Functions:  The Stake Leadership is full of wonderful people who are trying to do a whole lot for a tremendous number of people.  Even the best-laid plans need a little help.  I often dropped into the kitchen (with my apron!) and asked what they needed.  I was never turned away.
• Bring a pair of 'sensible shoes':  When you are cooking and serving in High Heels....it can take its toll on your feet and back.  I often had my 'dressy' Sketchers (which were flats) in my bag and would change into them while I was working in the Kitchen. When it came time to go to the Dinner or Chapel, I would change back into my High Heels and stash my Sketchers.
• Learn how to safely transport food:  This may seem simple, but it is so important.  In my case, (and also in the case of so many others), you are traveling to serve these tremendous YSA's.  I traveled 30 minutes each way.  I have learned how to pack a cooler, how to use a Hay Box to transport hot food and how to time things to be ready at the right time. It takes a little planning but has great rewards.
• Be ready to be a shoulder to lean on: Some of these young people are faced with oppressing challenges.  These have ranged from the death of a parent, loss of a sibling, loss of a scholarship, having to be relocated back to their country of origin, job loss, not being accepted into the program you were hoping to have as a major, and certainly broken-hearts.  Listening is such a needed service and has been something that I have had to consciously work on as well as to develop a deeper sense of patience. I have always needed more patience and probably still need more.  One thing is for certain, I have learned how to be more patient while serving in this calling.
• Be ready to be lifted:  When friends and family members have asked me what my experience is like, I cannot say enough positive things.  I have had the opportunity to be more 'fully utilized' in my service.  Often, in traditional wards, I have been serving through music (which is very honorable)  In this ward, I have had the opportunity to be a 'jacklyn-of-all-trades' and I love it.  If your experience is like mine, you are lifted and blessed each time you interact and serve with the beautiful young people.

So, to the members of the Young Single Adult Wards that we have had the opportunity to serve with, I want to offer my sincere and deep appreciation.  My life has been greatly blessed due to my association with all of you.  I have gained new friends and watched so many of go on to greater things.  It is my hope that I can watch you continue on your trajectory towards you goals in your personal and professional lives.  Thank you for being such a positive light for me personally.

"'Til me meet again"

With a Grateful Heart...

In the event that you have a loved one who is hospitalized, it is important to be grateful for the staff members who are caring for your family member or friend.  You have placed a great deal of trust into these individuals, and in a stressful moment, it is important to take inventory of what your are feeling. 

There are many people that make a hospital run, and you personally are not going to see them all.  However, without this team, your family member cannot receive the care they require.  So, remember to thank each individual that encounter for their participation in the overall care of your loved one.

Medical Staff:  These are usually the front line staff that most of us think of. 

-Physicians:  The Physician is the gatekeeper for the care of your loved one.  They are having to make decisions about the course of treatment and plan for the future.  They are often very busy as well.  Before you ask questions.....listen and take notes.  Most Physicians will then ask if you have questions.  Try to consolidate your thoughts and ask your questions. Sometimes, the hospital will have 'time out' periods when family and friends are asked to stay in the waiting room while they do Rounds.  When the Physician and staff go on "rounds" they often will go into the patient room and discuss the current status of the patient.  It is not that you cannot know what they are saying, but they need to speak freely and problem solve.  You will get to hear the summary of their discussion, so be patient. 

Questions that are appropriate to ask in general are:  "What is care plan for my family member?"  "What is the projected discharge date?"  Sometimes you also need to ask where the discharge location will be, it may not always be to the home depending on the circumstances. 

Thank the physician for caring for your family member.  They really are doing just that. 

-Nursing Staff:  These individuals are the eyes and ears for the physician.  They often have very technical training as well and can often answer questions for you as well.  If they defer your question to the physician, it is not because they are avoiding it.  It is because they need to let the gatekeeper do it. 

Nursing staff can include RN's, CRRN's, LPN's, PCT, etc and other various alphabet soup acronyms.  They have to take data from many sources and are required to multi-task.  If they are in the middle of something, try to wait if you need to discuss something.  It is okay to let them know you would like to visit with them.  They will administer medications, care for wounds, use diagnostic machinery etc.  They also provide many of the 'Activities of Daily Living" such as bathing, bringing meals etc.  Call them by name and thank them.  It goes a long way.

-Rehabilitation Staff:  This could include Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Specialized Physicians.  They aren't always the most popular folks, because their job is to appropriately progress the patient.  This means, that your family member is going to have to most likely get out of bed and do things that are needful and challenging.  They should communicate clearly what the goals of treatment should be for your family member and also update you as to the status of that plan of care.

-Social Workers and Counselors:  These folks help with the emotional needs of the patient and family.  They also help with the discharge process and ensure that needed equipment, services, etc are in place when it is time to go.  Most hospitals also offer Chaplain services to address the spiritual side of care.  These folks are trained in family dynamics, grief counseling, and other specialized areas.

Backbone of the building staff:  These are the folks that make it possible for everyone listed so far to operate.  I"m not kidding about this.  Without them, none of it would be possible.  Who are they people?  Let's list some. 

-Dietary is where specialized meals are prepared 7 days a week.  They also stock all the refrigerators and cupboards so that you family member can have a snack or a soda when they ask for it.  They are required to ensure that any patient's special dietary needs are met, and there are a myriad of diet types that they need to careful prepare.  They deliver the meals to the floor, take the dishes back to the kitchen and clean all dishware in a highly specialized manner with very strict guidelines.  If you see one of these individuals, be sure the thank them....they are often unsung heroes. 

-Environmental Services (Housekeeping):  How ever grateful am I to these folks who quietly keep the hospital clean and sanitary.  They are often called upon to do the most unpleasant of tasks....with a cheerful attitude.  The other day, a very sweet housekeeper stopped mopping the floor to ask me how I was doing.  She asked me about my family member and just has a very sweet conversation with me.  I can't tell you how much I appreciated that little act of kindness.  You can be assured that I thanked her very much for coming into help in the care of our loved one.

-Maintenance & Engineering:  These folks make sure the specialized equipment, and the building are operating appropriately.  This includes HVAC, Fire code, power, repair, maintenance, etc.  The regulations are significant, so again, without these individuals, you loved one could not be cared for.  They also make sure your loved one has a television to watch.  Think about how any stay at the hospital would be without that service.

-Information Systems:  So many medical procedures, billing systems, and medical charting methods are computerized.  These folks ensure that the information is available and current 24/7.  You most likely will not see these folks, but know they are there. 

-Admitting and Billing:  These are the folks you meet at the beginning and will most likely continue to interact with you after the hospital stay.  They will interact with your Insurance Provider and also send you statements and help arrange payment plans if you need them.   Be courteous with these folks, they are trying to make things go according to plan as well.

-Volunteers:  These folks certainly are not last, but they often fill in the gaps with sweetness, kindness, and patience.

I apologize if I have missed anyone, but by now I hope that you can see why you need to be grateful to the many individuals that make the care of your loved one possible.  Not every hospital stay is ideal for all.  Sometimes there are outcomes that nobody wishes.  However, these folks who are working to help make the outcome as positive as possible.  A verbal 'thank you' or a note are always appropriate.  They are there to serve you and your family member. 

Couponing, even when you are financially sound.....

(image courtesy of api.ning.com)

We have a guest blogger today, the LRH's oldest daughter.  She writes about her reasons and suggestions for couponing.  Couponing isn't just for those who are financially strapped, it is also for those who respect the bounty that they have been blessed with.  I extend my thanks to my daughter, who I love greatly.  Consider her wise words:

It took me a while to talk myself into couponing. Its time consuming (which scares me) and takes quite a bit of organization (which didn't scare me). Add to that, my budget isn't necessarily one that would be classified as "tight" or "strained" so I just figured my time was better used elsewhere. The thought of dragging my busy 2 year old into more stores than absolutely necessary, just didn't seem worth it. But, even though my food and household budgets were quite generous, in my opinion, I continued to blow them every month. And that frustrated me, and when I get frustrated, I fix it. So, when my friend kept going on and on about how much she was saving every month, I thought that maybe I should try it, even if I just did it for a month or so.

So, I decided to start small, with the 4 closest stores to my house (I still have that 2 year old, ya know). In my case, that is Rite Aid, Walgreens, QFC and Fred Meyer (and my Fred Meyer and QFC offer free childcare- BONUS!). I also make sure and look at the savings for Target and Costco, because I go there anyway. If I am feeling particularly savvy that week, I'll check out the savings at Safeway too (but that doesn't happen very often.) I get 5 Sunday papers (coupons baby!) and spend Sunday afternoons/evenings with my family clipping coupons in between board games. I also look through the ads and circle all the savings I am interested in.

Then on Monday morning, I look at my two favorite coupon websites for my stores savings and see if there is anything I missed in my ads. Quite often, they have links to coupons you don't know about, so I spend a little time printing the coupons and making my lists, and organizing the coupons by store. Tuesday morning, I am ready to go once I drop everyone off to school and its just me and the baby. Depending on my week, sometimes I'll take a couple hours and hit 4 stores (its generally pretty quick and painless, you have a list and everything organized) and sometimes I'll just run in one store on my way to swimming lessons or after school pick up. By the end of the week, I have usually hit all the stores I want and I am ready to start over again on Sunday. The websites I like are http://www.hip2save.com/ and http://www.krazycouponlady.blogspot.com/ . But, each region will have websites and blogs specific to their region so you have to find what works for you.

It all sounds a bit daunting, but I am happy to say that not only have I stayed well within my budget for the past 3 months (WELL within- sometimes even with extra left over), I have also stocked up on the "extras" of food storage (in 3 months!). I have a year supply of body wash, toothpaste, laundry soap and dish soap. I have even stocked up on things like canned goods, salad dressing and marinades. My kids haven't run out of cereal, fruit snacks or granola bars since I started. And this was all while staying in my budget. For me, the extra time involved has been worth it! Plus, I feel like the money that flows through my house isn't really my money, its the Lord's money that he has blessed and entrusted my family with, so shouldn't we use it as wisely as we can?

So, did you learn something new?  Do you have a respect and appreciation for the bounty the Lord has blessed you with?  If so, consider using some of the suggestions made to not only stock up on needed items, but maybe to show your gratitude as well.

Consider it!