MCC Sale

It is interesting how, as a parent, we try really hard sometimes to create memorable experiences for our children. We plan special vacations, we take one kid at a time on a "date", we repeat a certain event so that they will see it as a family "tradition"...and then, after all that, their little minds choose the things they want to remember, the things THEY think were the most fun, or memorable. Well, the MCC Sale is definitely something our children look forward to, and already have fond memories of. Case in point, we showed up early to church a couple Sundays ago, and the donuts and coffee (which are typically placed in the gym) were placed out in the courtyard. First service had just gotten out and there was about fifty or so people (most with grey hair) mingling outside. As we turned the corner into the courtyard, Isaac saw everyone and immediately exclaimed, "Woah, what is this? Another MCC Sale?" I laughed out loud...yup, put a bunch of older, Mennonite folks out of doors around some good food, and to a four year old, it's just like the MCC Sale.

But for those of you that are not Mennonite, or have never heard of the MCC Sale, let me give you a brief synopsis. MCC stands for Mennonite Central Committee. They are a relief, peace, and developement agency based in North America, a part of the Mennonite and Mennonite Bretheren churches. The monies raised over this past weekend (and at the other sales/auctions) may be used to build wells that provide clean drinking water, or bring blankets and basic sanitary items to war refugees or those displaced by the earthquake in the Congo. It may help teach a family how to garden, or raise goats, or sew clothing so that they can have a skill that will sustain them financially and better the lives of themselves and their village. It may provide AIDS kits to doctors in Africa. These are just a couple ways that MCC helps promote world justice and seeks to live out the words of Matthew 25, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The MCC Sale is not only a great place to give your money away, it's a great place to catch up with friends and eat great food! We went Friday night to eat dinner, catch up with friends, and look at the quilts and antiques to be auctioned off. And on Saturday morning we went back, at 6:30 a.m., to run in the 25th annual MCC Run for Relief. Randy ran the 10K race and I ran/walked the 2 mile race with all 3 kiddos. And speaking of memories...when we told Audrey we were going to do this she said, "And afterwards we get to eat pancakes and German sausage, right?" She remembered from last year the great breakfast after the run...that's my girl! I pushed Violet in the stroller, and actually had to jog at first to keep up with Audrey and Isaac. They both wanted to run off and on for the first 1/2 mile. It helped them warm up with the cold wind blowing! We all finished the run, ate our breakfast, and spent the rest of the morning walking around the Fresno Pacific Campus and chatting with friends. Audrey helped me pick out a new pair of earrings in the Ten Thousand Villages tent (my first purchase for myself in 2008, by the way). And after a bowl of home-made ice cream, we headed home for a much needed nap. Well, the kiddos and I napped while Randy watched the Dodgers play the Padres (and the cheating Jake Peavy). All in all, this weekend was, once again, a family favorite!