When we arrived to Morristown, a group of us went to a farmers market where we met up with our friends from Hope and Thrive—-a school for adults with disabilities. The joy I was filled with when I saw their faces again was unmatched! They never forget a name, so walking up to them was such a precious reunion that brought smiles and laughs to many of the faces around.
After spending time at the farmers market we went to an ice cream shop. It was at this ice cream shop where I had a moment with the students/our friends that challenged and impacted me. Myself along with a few others from our team were sitting around a table with Leslie, Matthew, and Alisha (Hope and Thrive students). We were at this small ice cream shop, squeezed together on a small round table. The sun was shining after the rain, and we were just laughing and telling stories with one another. I looked around in that moment and saw wonderful adults who just love life and being around people who make them feel, human, seen, and worthy. Their laughs are ingrained in my mind and remain as a reminder of the value of making someone feel like their place in this world is needed and important.
I absolutely adored the students and pray everyday that the Lord continues to meet them through the interactions they have with family members, leaders, and friends. The Lord’s presence is so strong with those students and it’s felt every time we get the chance to hangout with them!!