Currently Reading...

Life: Learning Is For Everyone by Donald Bailey

"The true story of how South Carolina came to be a leader in providing opportunities for post secondary education to young adults with intellectual disabilities."

Last week I actually had the privilege of meeting Donald Bailey! I was in a meeting and somehow we got on the topic of the importance of life skills and self advocacy for individuals with disabilities. I mentioned that I was so proud of the work being done through a program called ClemsonLIFE. Ironically enough, the man behind this beautiful cause (and several others around SC) worked right next door! What a privilege to be able to meet Mr. Bailey and hear about the work being done in our state! He generously gave me a copy of his book and I am so pumped to spend tomorrow afternoon reading about the journey that he and his family have been on the last few years. If you or someone you know are interested in how you can help out this beautiful cause, check out the book. It's on Amazon and is a short read!

//// Update: Wednesday, July 17
I literally just devoured this book in the last hour. This book is a quick, exciting read. It is SO encouraging and exciting to hear about how SC really is on the cutting eduge for postsecondary educational opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This is a must read!

I think this review says it all:
"Anyone interersted in disability, in education, in helping broaden the horizon of opportunities for young people exiting special education will be the wiser for having read this book. Readable, fast-paced, well written and instructive - this book provides fascinating and important insight into the brilliant leadership, hard work, and innovative program development of one individual - Donald Bailey."
Madeleine Will
Vice President of Public Policy
National Down Syndrome Society

Eagle Harbor Ranch + The Virginia Voices

God showed up today. I mean REALLY REALLY showed up. And honestly I needed Him to. As I've been adjusting back to life in America I've really struggled with the question, "Where do I fit?" I know I know, I haven't been here but a few weeks. But honestly, today I just felt like God met me exactly where I needed Him to. The day started off with a very encouraging meeting at the Charleston Baptist Association with my parents and a church member who is so passionate about reaching our community. There is so much going on in Charleston and it is INCREDIBLY inspiring. There is work being done for multi-housing, orphans, senior ministries, human trafficking, etc. I mean the list goes on and on. There really is a movement that is getting within the church culture and mobilizing them to reach out to their surrounding communities, their city and the world! AWESOME! After our FANTASTIC meeting I was speaking with a wonderful lady named Lynette. One thing led to another and I ended up meeting up with her a few hours later to help host a group that has come to Charleston this week. They were kicking off their mission trip by heading out to a place called Eagle Harbor Ranch. And let me just tell you, this place is so inspiring and fantastic.

Eagle Harbor Ranch

Eagle Harbor Ranch is a Christian organization that serves foster children. Here is their mission statement: 

While being a place of refuge and shelter for children ages 6 to 21 who are orphaned, neglected, abused and abandoned, it is our desire to empower each child to rise above their past through love, structure and an opportunity to succeed in life.

I wish that I could take each and everyone of you with me to this place! I mean it was so incredible. It was so clear that the children felt safe, secure and (most importantly) loved. I was overwhelmed and humbled by their confidence and their abilities to interact with us. What a gift to know that this treasure is IN OUR CITY! If you or someone you know in the Charleston area have a heart for this type of ministry, please click here to see very practical ways to serve them.

Not the best pic, my battery died :(

The name of the group that has come down this week to serve our Charleston Baptist Association is called the "Virginia Voices International." It was SUCH a joy to meet them and see their passion for others. I like what their website says, They are "a volunteer, non-profit organization, [who] provides a bridge through music ... We touch a diverse society with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds both domestically and internationally." Not only have they shared Christ in our country, they have traveled to Guatemala, Russia, Scotland, Ukraine, Uruguay, Paris and London! Hopefully I will be able to see this group again on Thursday when they perform in Marion Square! If you're in the area - come on out!

What a perfect and unexpected day I had. I am so thankful that God knew exactly what I needed. Honestly I could go on and on about how encouraging the conversations were that I had with Lynette and some of the volunteers and the leaders at Eagle Harbor Ranch. But I think you get the picture, God showed up. Thank you to those of you that have been praying for me as I adjust to life here in the lowcountry again. God has absolutely been hearing those prayers.

church?

Youth lunch at Outback!

What an amazing Sunday! This morning we were blessed to celebrate both the Lord's Supper and Baptism. As I was getting ready this morning, it hit me that the last time I did both of these things I was sitting on a beach on the complete other side of the globe. I am so thankful for those memories and those moments. But I am also thankful to see God working here in the lowcountry. He certainly has done so much in so many lives during the year I was gone. What a blessing today to have several conversations about God and what He has been up to. I am also thankful to see Him answering my prayers and surrounding me with several individuals who I know are going to help me grow and follow God into this new season!