It was a laid back, pizza and soda pop kind of night at Scarlet Cord this Friday with Elisa, Muna, Bailey, Emily C., Tiffany, Sandy and Jennifer. Judie dropped off a few take-n-bake pizzas which, when cooking, filled the entire basement with the mouthwatering aroma of pepperoni, Canadian bacon and cheese. We had plenty of sugary indulgences such as root beer, Emily C.’s deliciously moist brownies and zingy lemon bars, chocolate candies, and a huge assortment of donated baked goodies from the church. Thanks to Jen, we had at least one healthy item on the menu – big, juicy orange wedges, yum!
After sending two street teams out (Muna/Sandy & Jen/Bailey), the rest of us cooked up the pizzas and had some good conversation on topics that were sparked by a womens’ forum Emily will be helping to facilitate. D came in to enjoy some pizza with us, and Elisa graced us with her lovely and graceful injured wrist dancing. She is recovering from a recent wrist surgery and had to keep her arm elevated for most of the night, which made for some entertaining positions. What a trooper for making it to SC after her first day back to work!
Both street teams were able to make a few connections with interested women, one who’d heard of us before and would like to come with her children soon. They also posted many flyers around the neighborhood, at bus stops, in phone booths, etc. Sandy and Muna were able to reconnect with V who works in one of the small hotels on Sandy. V was friendlier this week than in recent months, even giving Sandy and Muna each a hug!
Upon the return of the street teams, we sat, ate, and had some interesting discussions about body image issues, self esteem, and how our much our families and society play into our thinking in those areas. S, a first time visitor, came in quickly to check us out. She said she’d heard about us before and wanted to come see what we’re all about. She wanted to know if we’re the kind of ladies who’ve “been there, done that”. After talking briefly with a few volunteers, she happily accepted some hygiene items before heading back out to the street. We were sure to let her know that we’re there every Friday night, we’re a safe haven and place to just hang out, we’ve always got hot food, and that she’s always welcome. We were all thankful for good conversation and a new guest at Scarlet Cord. We hope and pray that S felt welcome, that she’ll tell her friends and they’ll come back soon.
A side note from me:
I have to say, I am so pleased and impressed with the volunteers at Scarlet Cord. I’ve read the weekly email updates and kept in good contact with the other SC leaders while in Amsterdam, and it is SO good to finally be back and see y’all in action with my own eyes. There is a beautiful spirit and energy about our work together, which flows abundantly to the women we are there for every week. I am so blessed to be a part of this work.
P.S. A big thank you to Emily for driving me and my bike home at the end of the evening. Props for getting that bike rack on your car!
~Tiffany
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