Life in Texas: 4th of July

Last week was one of the best weeks of my life. Number one, I have never been surrounded by fifteen kids with multiple missing limbs, and number two, I have never been in so much awe.I’ve seen kids without arms throw a football by holding the ball between the side of their head and one of their “nubbies” (undeveloped limb), eat lunch with their feet, play the trumpet and drums, and play board games. Also, I’ve seen kids without legs swim (one quadriplegic boy swims in the deep end) and climb the rock wall. How amazing is that? As fully capable bodies, we spend so much time of our lives complaining about little things. Now, it seems like a waste of time and energy, knowing there are people in this world like the kids last week that struggle every day with common tasks or are reliant on others. These kids were all smiles last week! That in itself is amazing to me.

Wednesday night, we took the kids to an art studio in Salado to watch glass blowing. I’ve seen it done before, but it was about ten years ago.

After the art demo, we took the kids to Sonic. Until a few days ago, I didn’t realize how shocking the situation must have been for the Sonic workers and others eating at Sonic. I, personally, was shocked to see the kids on the first day of camp, but after that I didn’t even notice their disabilities.

Saturday night, we went with our boss to a rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. Events at the rodeo included bull riding and calf roping. After the rodeo, Adam, Shilpa, and I went to Wild Country, which is were we had a free mechanical bull ride.

Bull riding

Standing on two horses

Two-stepping at Wild Country

HAPPY BELATED 4th OF JULY, Y'ALL!!!

This was the first 4th of July I've spent away from home :( it was weird/sad not spending time with my fam. I miss you, guys!

Most of the staff went to Austin to celebrate the 4th. We shopped at the boutiques in SOCO (South of Congress), ate and had a mock wedding reception for me and Adam at ZAX (Yes, I made our waiter and waitress give maid of honor and best man speeches), and watched the fireworks as a symphony played in the band shell behind the 200,000 that attended. Our night ended in Florence at Ashley's pasture party. The day was a blast as you can see from the pictures...