Holt Picnic

Saturday was the annual Holt picnic in Omaha. I don't do much to help organize it, but I do try to lend a hand where needed. Each year, I think we get better and better and our numbers are growing. I think a big draw is having the Korean meal available. I worked on getting that set up with the Korean Presbyterian Church last year and they graciously agreed to do it again for us this year.

I have to admit, I love our growing numbers, but they worried me this year for the Korean meal. We had 332 Korean meal requests this year with 387 attendees total. This was with people coming without having RSVP'd ahead of time. I have faith in the Korean church and their ability to provide enough food, but still, that is a staggering number when you think of it.

The meal was wonderful, everyone loved it and there was plenty of food to feed everyone. What a lot of work though! The Korean church even had people serving the food so I am even more grateful for this partnership. I am happy to say, they have agreed to provide the meal again for next year!

With so many people in attendance, it is hard for me to talk to everyone, though this year, I worked the registration table so I did meet most of them as they came in. I figured that was the easiest way for me to see everyone. Then as the day goes on, families approach me and tell me I was their greeter for when their child came into Omaha. I'm always baffled as to how they remember me, but I guess it's easier for them to remember me as opposed to me remembering all the families I have greeted for since 1998.

I had one family come up to me I had greeted for seven years ago when their son came home...wow! Seven years?! I see them as babies and to see them grown, amazing. I feel so lucky to have such a volunteer job as the greeter for families. The flights have been more scarce lately, but the feeling of witnessing such an event is always exciting.

I am also lucky enough to stay up to date on babies I have escorted home to their families. Facebook is great to keep up with them, but I get to see some families in person at the picnics. I know the babies don't remember me, but I will always remember them and our journey home on the long flight. I get to see how happy they are now and how happy their parents are. So heart-warming, so amazing.

I feel so blessed for all of my opportunities, amazing grace.