Manassa

My dad grew up in a small town in southern Colorado called Manassa. And when I say small, I mean tiny. Wikipedia says there are almost 1,000 people who live there. And I believe Wikipedia. It couldn't be more than that!

Every year, the town hosts a huge Pioneer Day celebration, with parades (well, the same parade a few times), a carnival, a rodeo, a demolition derby (!), and a 5k run. Side note: when did my whole family get up off the couch and decide they were all runners? I swear everyone entered the race this year, even my dad and my brother, whom I've never seen run in my entire life. But good for them. Crazy, but good
I was a little weepy last weekend, and one of the biggest reason is this:

Practically everyone on my dad's side of the family

What's that? My entire family! All in one place!! With my siblings and one missionary cousin as the ONLY ones not there!!!
My sister has a great excuse: she just had a baby a week before. I had a great excuse: I live in Brazil. But for the first time, I really really REALLY hate that excuse.
There are cousins I haven't seen in years. There are children of those cousins that I've never met. And there is the fact that they are the coolest family in the world-- and I was not there to enjoy them! Brazil is lovely. I had a great weekend. But I wished the whole time that I could be somewhere else.

There's a facebook page that sends updates about the Pioneer Days celebration. A few days after the celebration ended and the town was back to its almost-1000 people, the page sent out a fundraiser notification. A couple young kids-- 2 and 5 years old, about the same as mine-- were playing out in a camper and managed to start a fire that blocked them in. The neighbors rushed over to put out the flames, but the children were badly burned. They were flown to Denver and are still being cared for there.
The web page is here.
They are doing some local fundraisers, and I am so impressed by the community of Manassa, for its generosity and love. No one there has a McDuck style money bin in their backyard next to the barn, and yet people found ways to give of what they have.
I decided that with all the money I saved by not being there to celebrate this summer, I could spare some to help this family. And I want to spread the word. Please take a look at the website and decide if it's something you're willing or able to contribute to.