Service group: Justiceworx Wk 2, Day 2

It was a great day today. I hadn't volunteered at my site in about a year and today it felt as if I had only left it for a few weeks. While the administration looked a little different, all the "consumers" (people we're serving) were the same. The building was the same and the feeling was the same as it was last year. I never thought I would be this happy serving at this specific place, and yet it all makes sense. I love people and meeting people and entertaining people, and this is the perfect place to do it, not because the consumers won't judge you, but because the group of people here take people outside of their comfort zone and force us to be better people just by their own actions. They act in such a way that their appreciation is almost palpable. 

Today I began leading my service group to a place where adults with mental disabilities participate in various activities such as arts and crafts, board games, and music playing. Our service is to basically have fun all day with some of the most fun loving, carefree people in the world. I cannot think of any words to describe just how seemingly impossible these people love new company. Looking at their faces and seeing the difference our presence makes to them is enough for me, but I know that these people have given me lessons I cannot repay them for. I only provide music and they have provided me with a deeper appreciation for those who are considered different and outcast because of it. They love everyone in such an incredible way that it seems to me we should learn how to love from them. 

My group of students this week is great, too. I know most of them from previous years and they all are so fun to be around. They all enjoyed the first day of work and I'm hoping that they can keep the same energy they had today and move through the week with it. We have to plan a day of activities for the "consumers"on thursday, but I think that they can figure that out. We'll figure it out together. 

I'm excited for a great week.

-Jeff

PS: Video Blog soon! Stay tuned!