Summer is here!

Even though we love having volunteers year round, we want to express caution when working outside with us these summer months.  As of right now, we are under a heat advisory here in Slidell. The heat index has been over 105 degrees this week, and will only get hotter! It’s VERY important to stay hydrated and take lots of breaks. Here are some tips for your summer volunteer trip:

•  Talk to your group about rotating shifts, i.e. 1 group can work, while the other breaks  & vice versa. Or, another idea may to be work for 20 min, then off for 15 min. Getting an early start is another option, as it is cooler in the mornings and evenings.  
• We like to have 2-3 water coolers at all the sites, but we encourage bringing electrolyte replacement drinks as well.
•  Bananas are a great snack that helps prevent muscle cramps.
• Wear lightweight, loose clothing and hats. If you start feeling weak, dizzy or nausea, that is a sign of a heat related illness.

We’re excited for our summer volunteers, and want them all to have a safe and wonderful trip!

11st Dedication Ceremony!

 I know it’s been a while since we’ve updated our blog. Please forgive me, I’m new to the blogging world! We have had some exciting things going on  here at PCO.  In May, we had our 11st  home dedication ceremony. It was such a wonderful event! Thankfully, volunteers from the Beaver-Butler Presbytery were volunteering with us the same time we scheduled the ceremony. God works great ways!  For the ceremony, we had a short prayer and meditation given by Rev. Barbara Thursby. Volunteers from the Beaver-Butler Presbytery shared fond memories of Wayne Bell.  Our homewoner was given 2 prayer quilts and a Bible that contained signatures and messages from all the volunteers that have worked on her home. Mrs. Debbie Bell presented the key to the homeowner.  It was a special event  for us all. Thank you to all the volunteers who have worked with us and made this dream come true for our homeowner. She is forever grateful, and cannot express her gratitude enough. May God continue to work through us and bless us!