Village News

Trek: to make one’s way arduously, a trip or movement especially when involving difficulties or complex organization, a journey by ox wagon. ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Life is a trek. It is not easy, but in the end, you can look back and recognize you made some progress. This past week I was out with the ‘Arete’ (Greek for excellence) run club testing the trail for Mennonite Heritage Village’s (MHV) upcoming Peace Trek. I was amazed at how they supported one another. I don’t like running, I’m out of shape, but after being with them for an hour, I found myself wanting to get off my bike and keep going. That is the power of a caring, positive community. As far as your community goes, so do you.

Mennonites have made many treks over the centuries. Most of them have included a long journey with a wagon load of what they had left. The last time my ancestors did it was in the 1870s when they arrived in Manitoba from Russia. The Metis, with their trepid ox carts, helped the Mennonites off the steamboat at the Red River. From there, the Metis directed them toward their destination where the Mennonites would start a new village.

On August 20th, MHV and Eden Foundation will be hosting our first annual Peace Trek that will revisit that trip. We are hoping for at least 50 runners and cyclists to do the whole 48-kilometers, or to do part of it (the shortest leg being 14-kilometers). We will acknowledge what we are grateful for, as well as what needs to be done for the wider community. It is sure to be a meaningful event. I am confident that the participants will be that community of care that inspires others.

Community can help fight feelings of hopelessness and provide assurance of safety when surrounded by it. The benefits go both ways, since supporting others also gives us a boost. Sign up for the Peace Trek today on our website, www.mhv.ca! You can also be a donor or volunteer. Either way, you don’t want to miss this event and the dedication of the Dirk Willems Peace Garden that will follow that afternoon at MHV.