Shortly after the service, we noticed smoke hovering over the church and ashes (some white and powdery, other black stringy flakes) falling around us. We got word that the "Freeway Complex Fire" was burning less than 3 miles away, and two of the major Freeways nearby were closed. It was very eerie to see only a sliver of blue sky on the horizon because of the blanket of smoke overhead. So the celebration ended abruptly and we decided to head over to the hotel in Newport Beach where the HomeWord banquet would be held that evening.
The Fairmont hotel staff allowed us to check in early, and we were given two beautiful adjoining rooms overlooking the pool. We took pictures of the rooms and drooled over all the spa products in the bathrooms. We passed on the $7 per bottle water from Fiji and giggled over the $22 room service mac-n-cheese. We did enjoy the plate of chocolates that greeted us - a chocolate-dipped strawberry, petit-fours, and a gold-airbrushed chocolate bar.
After settling in and ironing our evening clothes, Katherine and I headed for the pool. We had a refreshing dip in the salt-water pool (it was at least 85 degrees out) and relaxed in a private pool-side cabana while sipping iced water containing orange slices that was served on the deck. We couldn't figure out how to operate the flat-screen TV in our cabana, but back in our room, we were glued to live coverage of the fires.
Sovann went to meet the HomeWord folks who were setting up for the fundraiser that night, and they did sound checks and set him up with a lapel mic. We both got gussied up while Sovann's mom took the kids down to the pool for a second swim. She stayed with them during the banquet and they feasted on leftovers from the potluck. It was such a treasure for the kids to get to spend time with their Lola and it was so nice for Sovann and I to have the evening without the kids. Shortly before heading out, we heard a knock at the door, and a man stood there with another plate of chocolates for us. "An amenity for Sovann Pen," he said. Wow, I thought. Can it get much better than this? Well, I just had no idea.
We rounded a corner and found Cindy, Jim Burns' secretary, who whisked us away to get pictures taken. Then the moment Sovann had been waiting for - to meet and talk with Jim Burns became a reality. We posed with the host of HomeWord and resisted asking the professional photographer to take a shot with our digital pocket camera. Before we knew it, a waiter was strolling the halls striking a little set of chimes, announcing that "dinner is served."
We felt like we were entering a different world as we walked into the hallway where hors d'oeuvres were being served on silver platters by hotel staff walking discreetly through the crowd. Displays were set up showing the different facets of the HomeWord ministry as well as listing the various items being auctioned off that evening. Many couples held elegant-looking drinks as they mingled with all the other party-goers. The dresses were amazing - sparkly and graceful and I started noticing everyone had dainty black sandals. I tried not to think about my own white sandals and was glad my dress went almost to the floor.
We rounded a corner and found Cindy, Jim Burns' secretary, who whisked us away to get pictures taken. Then the moment Sovann had been waiting for - to meet and talk with Jim Burns became a reality. We posed with the host of HomeWord and resisted asking the professional photographer to take a shot with our digital pocket camera. Before we knew it, a waiter was strolling the halls striking a little set of chimes, announcing that "dinner is served."We found our assigned seats (place cards were handed out upon arrival) near the stage and were thrilled that we were sitting next to Dean Bruns (the V.P. of Homeword who invited Sovann to speak at this afair), his wife, the other "testimonial" giver of the evening and a few other guests. If I remember correctly, one of the guests at our table was responsible for running the Sierra Club camp for teens at Yosemite National Park. As we took our seats, we opened our program and found a prominent picture of our family staring back at us. It was a bit fun being honored in this way, and a little embarrassing as all the others at our table found the picture and then realized they were sitting with us.
The food was amazing - sliced lime and orange were offered with our bottled water (sparkling or regular) that was served from private-label bottles. Salads were on the table, along with several baskets of assorted breads and both plain and herbed pats of butter shaped like little flowers. Waiters served dressing from silver gravy boats. The green salads were shaped into little bowls by thin cucumber slices, topped with something shredded (like jicama or radish) and adorned on the sides with sliced grapes and candied walnuts. I alone had more silverware at my place-setting than I usually set on my table at home for my whole family.
During the meal, several important HomeWord people were introduced and a couple different videos were played - each highlighting what the ministry was about and who they helped. The silent auction continued on such items as vacation packages, golf tee times and jewelry. There were two giant screens on either side of the stage on which a list of the highest bid for each item was displayed and updated continuously.
As the main course was served, we again refrained from taking pictures! It was the most amazing chicken I had ever tasted - a huge breast portion stuffed with a creamy ricotta and sun-dried tomato combination topped by a very subtle mustard cream sauce. On the side was wild rice, broccoli and asparagus and a parmesan-baked tomato. They were generous portions, too - I couldn't finish it all! Poor Sovann was too nervous to each much of anything. He felt a lot of pressure, especially since they had paid for our airfare, hotel and meal just to have him speak to these 250+ guests.
His time came to speak as Jim introduced him, and then I saw my husband speak as eloquently as I ever have. He shared how the radio show had helped him be a better father and husband, and how much he appreciated the practical and honest information the guests share each week. Sovann also spoke of how he often assigns listening to certain HomeWord podcasts to his counseling clients and shares the website resources with pastors, friends and small-group members he meets with. I was honored to be his wife and so proud of him speaking from his heart to these total strangers.
After that, Jim gave a plea for financial help - a difficult thing to do in the face of financial crisis and devastating fires. He certainly has a passion to help kids and their families, and we personally are thankful for how HomeWord has blessed us.
Dessert came next, which was an assortment of little dainties on trays - chocolate layered mousse cake, lemon sponge squares with fresh raspberries, pumpkin mousse tarts with ginger-snap crusts, and several kinds of petit-fours. I was particularly impressed with the little "card" on each tart which had pumpkin designs to indicate the flavor - turns out it was edible chocolate! We each tried a couple and then were (thankfully) given boxes to take the extras home (well, back up to the room for us to share with mom and the kids).
As we were saying goodbye, Dean motioned for us to come back to the table. "I have something for you," he said. I glanced and Sovann and thought, "What more could you possibly do?" Well, God certainly has taught us a lot about generosity this year, but now came the exclamation point at the end of the lesson. On top of everything else they did for us, Dean handed me an envelope with a thank-you note and a $100 gift card to Trader Joes! I said to Dean, "I'm not sure you will ever know how much you have blessed our family. Thank YOU."
When we returned to the room, Mom told us that Sinnary and Paul had taken the girls to their grandma's house because the fires in Anaheim Hills (where they live) were very close and they were preparing to evacuate. We ended the night enveloped in softness - feather pillows and fluffy duvet on a roomy king-size bed. I sleepily though, "Thank you, Lord, for another amazing day and please spare the homes of our family and loved ones here."
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