May team, day 7

Today started off in typical fashion, not too hot and not too humid.  Heat and humidity did come, but it was a nice morning at the MTC.

Dave H. and Leo F. made a run into town for some supplies that were to be used for the speaker system.  They did find what they were searching for, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite suitable for sound-quality use.  Basically, there is some distortion in the speakers (buzz) due to how the power for the Great Hall building was originally put in.  Works are currently underway to find a good solution and finalize the speaker delivery.

Ken B., Bill B. and Ilene H. started off their day testing one of the options developed for getting reliable internet connectivity to Mercy.  After Dave and Leo returned from town, they joined up and started working on another possible solution from a different location.  Challenges remain for implementing the satellite-based solution to Mercy’s internet.  But, a successful connection was achieved from limited locations. Expectation is that it will be able to be distributed to other points in the hospital tomorrow.  Confidence is high, but this is still work to do.

Around mid-day, Ilene peeled off from the IT stuff and worked with Vicki G. to finalize their work on a spreadsheet that will be used by Mercy to streamline tracking for drugs and their use.

Bill H. started his day at the devotion held by Mercy staff.  He then continued leadership and team building meetings with Sister Augusta and others on today’s topic, “Tools and Techniques for Interviewing.”  There was lots of great feedback and ideas on how to approach upcoming interviews later this week.

After lunch, the team from the medical outreach on Monday got together to work on developing some feedback and recommendations for the Mercy team on thoughts and observations.  Although everyone agreed that the outreach was a success, we were happy to be asked for the feedback that could be used to improve future outreach engagements.

Leo finalized arrangements to get a dead but very large tree removed from the property near the entrance to the CRC.  This project is important because of the risk the tree poses to surrounding structures (and anyone in them or nearby).  This tree project has been on the horizon yet incomplete for some time, so there are many who are glad to see it wrapping up.

Outside of the work, another rainstorm in late afternoon cooled off the area before dinner (down to about 82!).  A local artisan came by with some handcrafted wooden carvings made from beautiful wood—both the red and black ebony had wonderful wood grain. 

And finally, Dave and Ilene were invited to be interviewed by CRC Cares, which is a radio program sponsored by CRC.  The interview lasted about an hour, and Dave and Ilene did a great job (we expect autograph seekers tomorrow, or soon after).

As the day closes, we are once again thankful for the opportunity to join the CRC and Mercy in their important work.

​(Filed by Bill Bush)