Day Two, Evening: Scenic Drives, Boat Rides, Chicken Thighs

We at Team New Bern finished the work day around 4:00. In all, we were quite happy with the way things went this time around - each couple had at least one client (a couple groups had more than one); the senior center was very nice, clean, and comfortable (and had internet access); and its staff was warm and helpful. From what I heard at our debriefing-slash-stand-up-comedy-set (ask Evan to tell you the one about the frog with the beard), the Greenville team had similarly positive experiences. Most of the Greenville Team were kept busy with estate planning clients, while others helped LANC with tax, property, and domestic violence cases.

I might as well tell you the bad news now - no ferry.

But do not despair. That does not mean that our night was completely boat-less. After driving (and what a drive it was, thanks to a huge truck in the middle of a crucial road) back to the hotel, we did a quick turnaround and caravanned over to Gus' father's yacht club for boating and eating. Yacht club members were kind enough to take us out on two awesome boats - the Pelican and the Therapy (sadly, I could not think of one good joke to make about riding the Therapy ... it seems like it would be so easy ... Oh well, I rode Pelican anyway). The Pelican had beautiful wooden interiors and soft jazz music playing in its heated cabin. The view from the deck was not too shabby either!

Gus' parents treated us to a delicious dinner of chicken, coleslaw, beans, hush puppies, and veggie burgers ... not to mention beer and assorted snacks. During debriefing (which took place in front of a roaring fire), many volunteers told stories, some quite emotional, about the great effect that our wills and advanced directives had on clients. To some clients, the wills and advanced directives gave peace of mind, allowing them to rest assured that their belongings would find a proper owner after the client's death. These documents were also empowering for our clients, giving them the opportunity and means to determine themselves how their property would be handled. Stories were also told about the substantial thought that clients put into their bequests, some even using their gifts to touch generations that had not yet been born.

After debriefing, we all bid adieu to the yacht club and headed back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is Fun Day. I'll let you know how it goes!