My friend just posted on his blog about how March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities month which inspired me to write this post! M’s blog is so well written and reminds us that we ALL are the body of Christ. If you would like to read it, you can find it at www.pastormarksday.blogspot.com

This past summer the camp that I worked at for many summers did a camp for individuals who live with a developmental, emotional and/or intellectual disability. It was the first time SuperAwesomeBibleCamp held this special camp. They had a light number of people who registered for the camp so they went to the local nursing home and invited some of their residents to come out to camp for the week. One of them was my mom (who is manic/bipolar). The camp called and asked me to come join them for “Camp Celebration.” I talked to my colleagues at the church and they told me to go since I dont get to hang out with my mom much so I packed up my car and headed for camp!

It was such a joy to be at SuperAwesomeBibleCamp during this week of “Camp Celebration.” It was so much fun to get to know all of the campers for this wonderful camp. Wendy was this amazing woman who doesnt talk. She loved making pictures and communicating with us in her own way.What a gift it was to be with them. It was so much fun to share this place that means so much to me with these campers and most especially my mom. As I spent time with them, I saw how they each contributed to the body of Christ. They each brought unique gifts! What a joy!

Not only, do I remember those I met at “Camp Celebration,” but I also remember the many wonderful individuals I met while working with Special Olympics. Special Olympics is an amazing organization and through them, I met some of the most amazing people. Special Olympics and its athletes will always hold a special place in my heart as well. It has formed me and helped shape me into the woman of faith that I am today!

So as we celebrate National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, may we remember the gifts they each bring and that each one of us is a unique part of the body of Christ. And what a precious gift that is!

I try to be pretty anonymous on this blog but just had to post a pic of my mom and I during “Camp Celebration.” She was having so much fun!