Wheelchair Rugby!!

I was lucky enough to get invited to this event by Megan and Saul this past Saturday and loved watching and learning about adaptive sports. I worked with Ryan and the Bob Sierra YMCA quite a few years ago in the adaptive program and enjoyed the kids but wheelchair rugby is a different beast. First of all, most of our kids had intellectual disabilities as well as physical however the participants in this event were either born with a disability or became disabled through an accident and are completely functional adults aside from needing assistance via wheelchair, prosthetics, or crutches.

I did a little researched and learned that we have an international team that travels around the world competing against other countries and this event is also an event in the special olympics. Anyways, I wanted to share this experience with all of you because I think it deserves mention. Quite a few people I met on Saturday had experienced some sort of major tragedy or had overcome some sort of tragedy in their life and still came out on top! I don't know if there is anything more inspiring than that!

The other component that this experience has opened up is further discussion about adoption. I think Ryan's work with his kids at the YMCA has left a print on his heart about kids in need, regardless of disabilities or not. Ryan and I recently began the Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey program) at a local church and LOVE the program but also want to 'tithe' our money each month not to a church necessarily but to an organization that we feel is important. We have researched a few organizations and are thinking of donating to an international adoption program that brings children out of despicable conditions.

Megan shared a story about a girl she knows who came from such a situation and now has a wonderful, loving family and a fulfilling life. The reason I think this international organization is really speaking to us is because not all countries have de-institutionalized children and adults with disabilities. If Megan's friend had not been adopted she would be living in a home shoved full of mentally ill and disabled persons and have no family! (De-institutionization took place here in the US between the 60's and 70's and if you want to learn more about it or see for yourself check out Cropsey, a dark documentary on Netflix that touches on this topic.)

Anyhow, until we are in a position to further explore the possibility of adoption, we hope our donations will help bring children into loving families! For now, this is our way of giving!