CROP Hunger Walk 2015: many faces, one goal

This blog was originally published by Holli Long here.

This year, my family and I participated in our third CROP Hunger Walk.  Well, for three of us, it was our third.  For my husband, more like his 10th or 12th or so as he grew up walking with his family.  It was the second year my kids walked more than they rode, and the first year for our pup.  He was one of three dogs, actually.  This was also the first year that I had a role beyond just “walker” or “stroller pusher.”  Because, this year, for the first time I was also part of the planning committee for our local CROP Hunger Walk.

I will be the first to admit, that while everything in my heart wanted to take on this role with gusto, everything in my head feared that the time commitment and logistics planning might be too much.  With two young kids and a jam-packed calendar, I wasn’t sure how I would find the time to devote enough of myself to such an effort.  I was worried about work, swim and piano lessons, remembering not to forget to feed my kids three times a day, and a whole host of other “To Do’s” that would interfere.  And to be honest, there was some schedule shuffling and some logistical gymnastics involved, just as there is with any and every role we take on as parents, grandparents, community members or otherwise.  But we got it done.  And we got it done because just as in years past, the community really pulled together to make this a great event.  The community took a moment to say, “Yes, we will make the time.  Because this too is worth our time.”

Here are just a few of the many faces that took the time for the 2015 CROP Hunger Walk.

And although the day was a bit on the gloomy side, (no rain, though!) we had a beautiful route through the main streets of our hometown,
great support from our community to keep the route safe,
and a beautiful local park to mark the half-way point.
Oh, and a few cheerleaders along the way, of course.
Finally, a few warm and welcoming faces to greet us back “home” after the walk.
I think what I will remember most from this walk is the countless times I heard this phrase, “I’m here to help.  Tell me where to go.”  Events such as this do not happen without many shoulders pitching in to help with planning and preparation and serving.  And just as it took many shoulders for our local CROP Hunger Walk, it takes many CROP Walk Communities coming together each year to share and bear the yoke of global hunger and poverty.  “We’re here to help.  We’ll make the time and share your burden for today.”

So grateful for our CROP Hunger Walk Community, and for yours!

Holli Long is a mom, photographer and CROP Hunger Walk volunteer from Illinois.