Our differences allows us to be who we are, which is why all of us are so unique and special.

Where love knows no limits and runs freely - Westminster Woods, a place that is held close to my heart. Friendship camp, a week where adults with development disabilities come to unite with people that are willing to help, love and accept them for who they are. Where societal norms are torn down letting the purest love we have to offer run freely through those that are not treated fairly, are looked down upon, those that need extra love and support. The community that is judged by how they present themselves to the world, not given any chances because "they don't fit in, they're not normal". Given the label that they are less than, unable to succeed like "normal people", unworthy of being treated as anyone else deserves to be treated. Not getting a first chance, always being given up on, being destroyed by the hate they receive because of their differences. During this week I am exposed to the purest and rawest experiences life has to offer. Where equality has no boundaries. Uniting with the ones that have extra love, peace and hope to offer the world. Loving this type of people comes with its challenges like anybody else. Whether it's bathing them, having patience when they are stubborn, taking baby steps at all moments, enjoying the moment, or changing plans and being flexible. They allow me to look at the world from different angles that is greatly needed for the world. They teach us to be grateful for all that life has to offer and realize the beauty of living in the moment and taking one day at a time. They speak the truth, saying things that others don't take the time to speak up about. Telling others how they feel, if something is wrong or upsetting them, or speaking the truth they feel toward someone or something. Saying things like "I love you". "You are a beautiful person." "You have made a difference in my life." "Thank you for your kindness and acceptance." "I am feeling upset because of this." "Can you help me?" Being able to express and present themselves fully to others. Communicating their needs, desires, questions, hopes, feelings, thoughts, ideas. From experience, a lot of us struggle with being vulnerable with others while being afraid of the rejection, hate and/or judgment. They are able to be themselves, bring themselves fully to this world, oh that so needs them. Not being held back by the chains but feeling in the moment and all that it comes with. My hope is that we can unite with those around us that are labeled different. We toss around the word difference with bad meaning, I am grateful for all of our differences. We are all so unique and special because of our differences, we all have a purpose and meaning with why we were born with our differences.

God did not choose them to be less than anyone. They were chosen to be stronger, braver, and more compassionate then the rest of the world. I strive to be like them, embracing the struggles of their lives, living in the moment, not caring about others judgement, being able to be who they are, expressing their emotions, and loving others and themselves. They bring beauty, hope, joy, light, and life to this world. They make the world a better place by being able to show up despite their differences. Our differences are what makes every single living creature unique, and special. There is no normal, normal is boring and plain. I remember in school I tried so hard to be like others, because I was rejected for being who I am. I dressed and acted like them, pretending to like the things they did. Forcing myself to watch the tv shows they did, and buying products of fan memorabilia that they had. When I really didn't have passion for the things they did or liked. I believed that being like them would make me happy and feel loved. It didn't, it put me in more pain actually. Meeting those that we consider wired or different, we usually shy away from hanging around them with the fear of being judged, made fun of or not accepted by others. In order to create peace, unite and be equal we must accept all and be kind to each other. We must show love in all connections. Just like God, he forgives and loves all of his children. You don't have to always like someone but treating each and every person with respect and kindness is key. Be the change in the world that you want to see in the world. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Do more of what you want others to do, as others will slowly follow your lead. Be yourself, self discover, and share your beautiful presence with the world!

God shines on them. His heart is within them. He has indeed blessed them - to see differently than the world sees. He has given them a great gift. That is a treasure we can obtain from.