Our students decided that they wanted to do something fun, something helpful, and something together, simply because they enjoy being together. They asked if they could sell hot dogs at our house during the garage sales. Of course we said, “Yes”. We were thrilled that our students were having ideas of their own --good, edifying ideas that bless other people. We told them that would be great, but that they couldn’t wake me up too early. On Saturday mornings I’m a hibernating bear until about 10:00, and after that I’m only half-awake until I have finished the large cup of coffee attached to my hand.
So, they bought supplies, made signs, developed a “meal deal”, decided who should bring what baked goods, and were very well organized. I left the coffee supplies on the counter for them the night before, and the next morning when I did finally peek out of my window, they were all set up and there must have been about thirty people milling around in my front yard.
My husband, who runs three miles every morning at 6:00 a.m., had been up with them the whole time, so I didn’t feel too guilty.
They sold baked goods, hot dogs, chips, “meal deals”, and drinks for about seven hours. They did make a little money, although that wasn’t the goal. The goal was to be together and to be a good witness to the community. Our drinks were only fifty cents, where other places the same bottled water was selling for two dollars. The city secretary sat down on our lawn chairs and had her lunch with her husband, people asked us about what Mennonites believed, and we met more of our neighbors.
After things had settled down, one of our city policemen drove by. The students ran to him with a hot dog, chips, M & Ms, home made cookies, and a drink. He tried to pay us and we told him, “no,” but that we were thankful that he kept us all safe.
Afterward we headed off to play ultimate frisbee, came back to finish off the hot dogs, and plan for next year. Maybe we’ll have an honor roll party theme . . . .