Team MNM is awesome! Everyone completed their Pig race on Saturday or Sunday with "flying" colors and helped us raise $23,000 and counting.  Saturday was PERFECT for flying around the city. The Sunday marathoners started out in rain with a bit of thunder, but were not deterred one bit from racing to the finish swine. So, dear Pig Partners, all that training was worth it, yes? Now, the real challenge will be to continue making the healthy choices for good nutrition and regualr exercise without the Pig to motivate us. I hope and pray we each will be able to report back that we are still "flying".

Be sure to check out all of Team MNM photos on Facebook on Monday. But, in the meantime, I want to share this great photo and story that captures so well the spirit here at MNM.



Donna and Ericka sporting their medals.



The Touch of Mercy….

The staff members of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries provide compassionate service to their clients, students and visitors seeking assistance at the door everyday. Sometimes, this Mercy spirit is also shared in a special way with one another. This is one such story.

Donna Miller and Ericka Brooks are home care aides with MNM. Every week, they bring home care services and companionship to their elderly clients to make life easier and less lonely.  Sometimes, Donna’s arthritic knees hurt as much as those of the seniors she helps. Despite her pain, she keeps on working because she knows how important her assistance and presence are to her vulnerable clients.  Ericka juggles caring for her elderly clients with family and grandchildren.  Sometimes it feels overwhelming and she grows weary.

 Both choose each year to be part of Team MNM in the 10K race of the Flying Pig to raise funds for the ministry.  Donna is confident she can walk the 6.2 miles, but she needs to take it slow because of her knees.  Ericka has the ability to cross the finish line with an impressive time, maybe even winning her age category of walkers.  But, she admires Donna’s courage and commitment and chooses, instead, to be her walking companion to assure Donna does not finish the race alone. It usually takes them over two hours to finish.

This year the two friends once again walked and walked and proudly crossed the “Finish Swine” together in under two hours, their best time ever!  Congratulations, Donna and Ericka! You are our winners!