Starting today at HighPointe we got a presentation about what HighPointe was and how they help people. We got their mission statement and how they help their clients and what their vetting process is. We also met their founder and CEO and what the backstory to this program was. We spent the rest of the day in groups and went into the different rooms. We ended the day with dinner at Steuben's and then came back for reflection on the challenges and graces of the day. 

"What things stood out to you on this first day? Where are you hoping to explore more? Where was God in either a joy or discomfort from the day?"

Something that stood out today was how the clients at HighPointe were present and how they interacted with staff over the time that they were there. They were incredibly attentive and they knew how to communicate in their own separate ways. Some people were verbal while others communicated with devices or sign language. Another thing that stood out was how the clients worked with us as well. They were very interested in the questions we asked them, and they were asking us questions about our lives and Regis. 

Things that we are hoping to explore more is being connected with new people. We want to try and talk to other clients and staff members and try to make our way to everyone instead of picking favorites. We want to go to other rooms and try to get away from being comfortable. It's important that we get to experience each room and be able to interact with the people and different abilities. 

God was in joy today through the people we met and the way that we interacted and made friendships. There was joy in the art room because it felt like everyone was able to be creative in their own way and really be able to express themselves. God was in discomfort today by showing us that we are incredibly lucky to be as abled as we are, and that by being around this population we are shown that happiness can come from anywhere, especially from self-confidence and love.