Last weekend, I was invited to provide disaster training at the Florida AmeriCorps Conference, hosted by Volunteer Florida, in Orlando. It's coming on 10 years now since I began facilitating disaster training across Florida (and occasionally, nationally) for AmeriCorps members, Senior Corps, Volunteer Centers, county/city governments, and a wide variety of community and faith-based organizations.
I co-facilitated three disaster trainings during the conference, one of which was the largest I'd ever done with 140+ participants from the City Year programs in Orlando and Miami. They were an awesome group! Here's a minute-long video from the Disaster Volunteer Reception Center simulation:
That evening, we were all entertained by Syesha Mercado, a former American Idol contestant and a number of very talented AmeriCorps members:
Members also participated in several service projects, including creating this mural of service:
In an earlier post, I mentioned that I took my nephew to visit my auntie and uncle buried at Barrancas National Cemetery. He enjoyed running around this field of heroes, and thought it was interesting he'd stop at the occasional grave and start talking as if someone was there.
I caught this very powerful encounter, and I can not help but believe the little man was playfully talking to his guardian angel:
Just got back from a wonderful weekend in Pensacola! Saturday was dismal with heavy rain, so it was a perfect day to stay indoors and enjoy lunch with the Aunties.
German Chocolate Cake & Coffee
Fortunately, the rain let up on Sunday, though it was VERY windy. I had a great time on Pensacola Beach, enjoying the Mardi Gras parade with family.
Beautiful view from the condo
Tito got mad at Little B, so he pulled a Tom Brady.
Mom in Mardi Gras gear
Parade!
Five flags
At the end, we all looked as bad as this.
After the parade, we all walked back to the condo and had a Lumpia party! Here's a clip of our day in 45 seconds:
I got my nephew Monday morning and we had a great time venturing into Pensacola. We went aboard NAS Pensacola, stopping first at the Barrancas National Cemetery to visit my Auntie on her death anniversary.
Unfortunately, they never got to meet, but I know Auntie Mely would be so happy.
He loved to run up and down the cemetery.
What was scary was when he'd stop at a grave and start talking.
(as if someone was there)
Since it was nearby, I thought we'd drop in at the Naval Aviation Museum. If you're ever in Pensacola, you must visit this place! I haven't been in years and it was exciting to see how much it has grown. The docents were extremely friendly too!
Presidential Helicopter
Naval Aviation Museum
After the museum and some lunch, we took a stroll on Palafox Pier:
Palafox Pier
View of the new baseball field at the Maritime Park
When I was a kid, I remember the ships at the port and buying shrimp off the boats!
