It is amazing the things that you can find within a given community. I must say, that every place Professor Corrigan has asked us to go, I never knew it was here in Lakeland. I mean, a part of me being unaware of these places comes from not being living in Lakeland very long. But one thing that I feel like all this has taught me, is to actually be aware. Aware of the subtle things of lie, aware of creation, of nature, of literature, of characterization, of human beings, and the list goes on. However, this current field trip that we went on yesterday morning was a whole new experience in and of it self. I strongly recommend anyone who did not go to try and take a tour because by simply just being there, opens your eyes to a world greater than ourselves. The people there were so friendly and despite their disabilities, they seemed to be more happy than I was with their lives. The Alliance for Disabilities center really gives people hope to learn, but the cool thing about it, is that they do not force them to learn anything that they would not want to learn. Instead, they get to choose a subject that "actually" interests them and by this, I believe their passion to excel will expand and their goals met.
After our tour we got to go back to the snack bar and talk with some of the people, or otherwise known as "clients" who go there. I spoke with several of the clients, but one man stuck out to me the most. I forget his name, but I will never forget what he said. He told me and a few other people that were sitting next to him, that money means nothing in this world, all you need is love and family support. I believe he was in his forties, but regardless, to have something like that come out of his mouth really made me understand that just because these people are disabled in one way or another, does not mean that they are incapable of understanding truth and love that God has for them. To me, this meant more than going to church, because I actually got to see Christ at work with people with amazing testimonies.
I am sorry if this seemed a little scatterbrained, I just had so many thoughts that I wanted to get them out in one blog. But if I could end it out with one last thing, I would once again encourage anyone who did not go to try and sign up for a tour because you will not regret it!
I'm so encouraged by the learning that occured in your life as a result of this trip. I have worked with disabled people and it has really changed my life so I can identify with the feelings and thoughts you have. Interacting with people like that reallly does make you grateful for what God has blessed you with and puts things into perspective as far as what you value the most.
ReplyDeleteYeah I really liked this field trip too, I think i would have gone even if the was no compensation. What struck me was when she told the story of how they went to the Talbot house and felt compassion for those people, and wanted to help them out somehow. my favorite part of the trip was definitely just sitting and talking with them for 10 minutes or so.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andy that seemed so real to me, and so incredible. That story the lady told of all of them. It just hit me hard, like wow what incredible people, and just how touching that is. I really enjoyed the trip !
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to go on this field trip but could not make it. Due to illness I have a lack of chapel credits so I was not able to miss chapel that day. It sounds like it was an amazing field trip. I plan on going to visit there on my own after hearing how great of an experience it was.
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