I have been waiting tables for almost a decade. My first job at the Garden Café began soon after I turned sixteen and I’ve been addicted ever since. I’ve done call centers, hardware stores, movie rentals, a nanny position and dog walking (just to name a few). However, my heart lies in the restaurant industry. There is something about crowds of people hollering orders of beer, shots, nachos and hot wings that I just can’t seem to get enough. The adrenalin rush of working 14 hour shifts on Nebraska Husker game days in the Haymarket. Good Times...
But beyond the chaos, is the most important reason behind my restaurant obsession: I have met almost every one of my best friends while waitressing. There are of course the hectic moments, but there is also a lot of downtime before the rush. You can not help but be caught up in the lives of all those around you. After a week or two, you know the names of their children, previous jobs, favorite drinks, and the car they drive or rather the car they don’t drive. Eventually you learn their life story and vice verse. These friends have been some of the most supportive, inspiring and amazing individuals in my life!
You are probably wondering how this affects my work in Congo. As anyone in the restaurant industry knows, there is work and there are parties.
But beyond the chaos, is the most important reason behind my restaurant obsession: I have met almost every one of my best friends while waitressing. There are of course the hectic moments, but there is also a lot of downtime before the rush. You can not help but be caught up in the lives of all those around you. After a week or two, you know the names of their children, previous jobs, favorite drinks, and the car they drive or rather the car they don’t drive. Eventually you learn their life story and vice verse. These friends have been some of the most supportive, inspiring and amazing individuals in my life!
You are probably wondering how this affects my work in Congo. As anyone in the restaurant industry knows, there is work and there are parties.
OPENING OF THE LIBRARY!!!!!
I had a great time designing the invitations,an even better time making trips around town delivering the invites and the day before, I was in the bakery making hundreds of muffins and carrot cake. I was so happy to be planning a party!
The following morning, Clara, Elena and I packed up the land rover and headed for the library. Sister Graciana, Elena & I spread 5 kilos of Nutella across 200 rolls of bread, arranged all the soda bottles and mixed-up the juice. Sister Joy did a great job of hanging signs and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Clara had been spending quite the time shoveling cement and cleaning up the third study room where Mass was to be celebrated (it’s in the midst of construction). Karen was busy organizing the library itself.
The party started with rain; rain that poured on our roof with such force that we were unable to begin Mass until it stopped. It was impossible to hear the person sitting next to us, let alone the priest. Once the rain subsided, it was absolutely wonderful.
