like Aunties

 Growing up, I had three great aunts that we lumped all into one entity and experience called "Aunties."  Everyone of us nieces or nephews of the following two generations (and there are hords of us) have either a hand-knit sweater, the memory of a special meal with "seven sweets and seven sours" (aka over the top bounty!), or simply the memory of the smiles and hospitality of those tireless three aunts who loved and lived with each other all their lives.

Yesterday was an experience like Aunties. One of my aunts and uncles who live in the area of Akron where we are doing our MCC orientation hosted a drop-in for all my other aunts and uncles and cousins who live in the area.  There are quite a few since this south east part of Pennsylvania is where each of my parents grew up in families of 11 and 9 children. Spread along the tables for the drop-in guests were "seven sweets and seven sours",  though they may have looked a little different.  Instead of chowchow, pickled watermelon, and browned butter drizzled over potatoes, there were mixed nuts, a fruit bowl, spiced cranberry juice, etc.  There was even a huge cake complete with "Best Wishes Corinna and Doug" written in blue icing on top! We were overwhelmed by the generosity and touched by the hospitality and interest in our lives.

We did our best to get around the room to visit with each of the 20 or so relatives that came just to see us and wish us God's blessing on our next three years. Many of them had gone with MCC or had a son or daughter go with MCC somewhere in the world.  We came away blessed by the outpouring of love and support.

This was our 3rd and final drop-in prior to our departure next Sunday! We are incredibly blessed with so many loving family and friends.

Below is a video of the Welcoming Place at MCC- the conference center where our orientation is taking place. It is divided into 4 houses- Africa, Asia, Middle East/Europe, Americas. We are staying in the Middle East/Europe house.