Saturday Theo was at the barracks and I knew that Jenna was all alone, her husband being at work, so I invited him to have a bite to eat on the port. We discussed a bit of everything and nothing and then she confided in me a bit. Jenna had health problems a few years ago which mean that even if today she is well, she is now having difficulty finding work. Her husband makes a good enough living for both of them, but she is embarrassed to feel cared for and she misses spending her days alone when he works.
For the financial contribution I could not promise anything but for the occupation, I had an idea. I asked him to come with me to the Deaf Club around 4 p.m. I had explained to him that there were families and children and that we would organize a tea party there.
At 3:30 p.m. I see her walk through the door with two huge bags filled with nuts and honey.
Steven, one of my colleagues, was in a hurry to get rid of it for fear of seeing one of the bags tear.
I introduced him to the president of the club and to everyone present. Including Grandma who was there too.
Everyone was intrigued by Jenna, but even though she doesn’t speak sign language, she fit in very well with our group.
She had already taken the initiative to equip herself with a slate and chalk to be able to communicate with the children, but grand ma is in charge of playing the interpreters.
In fact everyone came to participate in our little cooking activity, even Gemma our secretary and receptionist left her switchboard to join us.
Jenna offered us to make Gozinaki, Georgian nougats made from, you guessed it, honey and nuts. They are mainly served during holidays such as Christmas or New Year.
Ingredients (for 20 pieces):
- 300g of honey
- 500g walnuts
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
Preparation:
- Roast the nuts and cut them into small pieces with a knife.
- Pour honey into a non-stick saucepan, put on low heat and bring to a boil.
- When the honey begins to foam, remove it from the heat, let cool.
- Put it back on the heat and repeat this procedure twice to allow the honey to thicken.
- Add the sugar and stir until boiling resumes.
- Pour in the nuts and mix well.
- When the nuts begin to change color (about 3 minutes), remove the pan from the heat.
- Immediately pour the unit onto a damp, oiled wooden board.
- Spread evenly on the plank with a damp hand or the back of an oiled metal spoon.
- Even out using an oiled rolling pin.
- Trim the edges by hand or with a knife until you get a square or round about 1 cm thick.
- Using a heated and oiled knife blade, cut equal pieces into a triangle or diamond shape.
Everyone loved the animation and Jenna, well how could we not love this woman!
I offered her to become a volunteer for our association as a facilitator, whether with children or adults, depending on the days or times she would be present, which would allow her to build up the professional experience she lacks following- to his long pose of professional activities. And even if that doesn’t help her find a job, at least it would give her something to do when she feels alone. Everyone loved the idea.
I’m so happy for her that it went so well.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones and see you soon!
Nilsa's world 