Two Words: A Mazing!

I had an experience with my children this week that blew me away. On Monday Alex and some of the students from church participated in The 30 Hour Famine After sleeping over at the church Monday night they went to the World Vision Distribution Center just outside Pittsburgh to pack clothing to be sent all over the world to people in need. Alex and I decided this might be a good way for us ti introduce the idea of serving in a more global sense to our own children. It was for a short period of time and we are familiar with the setting, so we knew they would be safe.

So Tuesday morning we met up with the group at church and headed out. When we arrived and got oriented we began the process of unpacking, checking, recounting and repacking boxes of clothes to send out. We didn't assign tasks to our kids we let them check everything out and figure out where they fit best. Here are some pictures of the results.

They all found a niche and worked their hearts out. Annie put together almost all of the boxes we packed. She had the volunteer coordinator show her how to do it once and she was off. Lucy lent a hand wherever she was needed, most often cleaning up trash or breaking down boxes for recycling. And then there was Jack...he sat on the table we were all standing around and took shirts out of their bags and ripped their tags off, which had to be done before they could be repackaged. His diligence and concentration amazed me...he is 3!!! There was no complaining, there was no whining. They even pushed the rest of us to get back to work after our break time. They worked hard for three hours and had a great time doing it.

It has long been a desire of mine and Alex's to involve our children in meaningful service from a young age...I admit I didn't think that would happen for another few years. I am glad that I was wrong. We are hoping to make volunteering at World Visions Distribution Center a regular part of our lives and we're also hoping that it opens all of our eyes to the very great needs that exist all around the globe.