By Valarie Russ, 11th Episcopal District
“And are we yet alive to see each other’s face”, never have those words been so humbly received with such gratitude and reverence as today. We are observing and participating in this historic 51st Quadrennial Session. In 2020 the world was forced to stop. We experienced ups, downs, shock, apprehension, fear, losses, and isolation. We had more questions than answers. Then like a life raft floated out to those treading water came the vaccine. Finally, we are emerging like butterflies from our cocoons. A bit wiser and very aware of our surroundings and how we move. Sanitizers and masks are valuable accessories.
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and organizers are serious about our wellbeing. So… what happens when we leave the rooms for the day? I can tell you a lot. First, the rooms are cleaned, sanitized, and reset. This operation is performed by teams with choreographed precision. The voting units are collected at the conclusion of voting and placed in their secured containers. They are then taken to volunteers who are waiting to sanitize them. The volunteers first sanitize their hands put on gloves then sanitize the surfaces to be used. The units are removed from their individual bags. They are sanitized then placed in fresh bags and secured in their box. Once the units are returned to their rooms the rooms are locked. This process can take 1-2 hours to complete. There are 48 persons assigned to the AMEC rooms. Whereas the room cleaning staff are employed by the OCCC, the persons cleaning the voting units are volunteers from the 11th Episcopal District. The sanitizing of the units is also under the watchful eye of staff like Jeff Horan from PPC Tech, and our 11th Episcopal District Coordinator Sister Sanjena Clay.
Beyond the rooms of the AMEC the convention center is also cleaned, sanitized, and reset. There are hand sanitizer stations visible everywhere. The public areas are constantly being monitored and clean. While making the walk back to the hotel a cleaning team seem to come out of nowhere. I asked them if they popped up out the floor when they heard something hit the trash bin. They replied no they just keep moving and checking things, cleaning, and try to stay out of the way. This OCCC team works like a well-oiled machine. From the cleaning staff to the team members working the parking and drop-off area like Ms. Pat. She warmly welcomed everyone and wished all a blessed day. Sometimes it is the little things that make you smile the biggest. We are conducting the business of the AMEC differently. If we were not, we might not have noticed some of the people working behind the scenes to provide a clean safe environment. We might not have come to appreciate being steps away from hand sanitizer when you forgot yours in your room or car. When we are back in the setting, we are used to we will appreciate even more the togetherness.
