BINGO

It was 3 years ago next month that our family began our ministry at SilverCreek Retirement Community in Olive Branch, MS.  Since they were a new facility in the area and did not have a chapel service we (David really decided for us) decided it would be a good idea to begin a ministry there.  So, we started having a worship service for the residents at 2:00 pm every Sunday afternoon.  It has been such a blessing to us to get to know the residents at SilverCreek. 

 

About a year ago, I wanted to do more than just go to SilverCreek on Sundays so I started calling BINGO for the residents once a week.  OH MY!  How much fun that is!  It isn't Christian-like but I still LOVE spending time with the residents.  They don't win money usually. (Fridays they do have $0.25 on which they anti-up for the specialty games.)  They win something called "Bingo Bucks".  They are allowed to spend those "bucks" on items at the auction that they host about every 3 months.  Some are these ladies and gentlemen are funny, some are forgetful (results of Alzheimer's or dementia), some are bossy, and some are just plain sweet!

 

Since we have had this ministry for 3 years now, the residents who have lived at SilverCreek for a while have watched my children grow up.  They comment on how big Caleb is getting and cannot believe that Erin will be 18 in the fall (she looks 12/13).  We have lost many residents to illness and death and some have not adjusted to the move and have moved back out.  Those who have stayed to call SilverCreek home and those whom we have gotten to know have started calling us "family."  Do you know how that makes us feel?  It is really beyond words how to describe the feeling of belonging to this place.  We do not get paid but it is so much more worth than any money could pay.  The staff, the residents, the atmosphere!  I have truly been blessed to be part of such a great place!