This weekend I was a small part of something magical. Together We Rise, a nonprofit organization focused on helping foster youth, hosted a Disney Day for 317 kids to reunite with their siblings who have been separated by the foster system OR introducing kiddos to Disneyland for the first time!

Upon arrival I met the creative staff. About 15 photographers were there, most from southern California, but a couple of us from the valley. They told us over 1,200 photographers applied to be apart of this event and we were the cream of the crop. Best of the best. The ones who had stellar portfolios along with hearts to serve. I was blown away! I literally laughed in my head and thought, “Ok God, why AM I here?! What AM I supposed to learn today?”

We were split into groups and were instructed to say with them the entire time to capture the day from start to finish. Here are a few things I learned that day.

People are good.

Like, really good. We live in a society where the media is constantly cramming down our throats how evil people can be. Ultimate division. In race, politics, religious beliefs. But this day I was reminded God created ALL people in His image. The volunteers had hearts of gold. Not one negative thing was said the entire day. The kindness, selflessness and joy was overwhelming. We all put on our Disney magic caps and showed these kids THE. BEST. DAY. EVER. A memory I can only hope plants a seed in their little minds to remind them. People are good.

Kids are resilient.

There are two things all kids crave. Love and boundaries. These kiddos didn’t know ANYONE putting this event on. They were put into groups of 8-10 with 8 strange adults to go have fun. Our group was greeted with the volunteers chanting their team name “Donald Duck, Donald Duck!!” and oddly enough that small little chant united them. They became part of something. A team to connect with. They started off shy, but quickly found “their person,” the one they sat next to on the rides or talked to while walking around. The connections were real. And deep. And fast.

Everyone wants to be wanted.

We were on Star Tours and the boy next to me got chosen as the “wanted” spy on the ride. His picture popped up and the whole space mission was based on him being the rebel spy. When the ride stopped he was beaming with joy. Real I-cannot-believe-that-just-happened joy! The very first thing he said to me when we stepped off the space shuttle was, “How special it is that I WAS WANTED!!! I was wanted! That is so cool!!” Those three words brought tears to my eyes. He ran down the ramp to tell his new friends. I wanted nothing more than to look him in the eyes and reply “You are oh so wanted.” We were designed by a Creator who gave us all a spirt that longs to be wanted. And we are all wanted so deeply by Him.

Creative people are rad.

I was so inspired by the creative team that day. People were creating amazing images. Not “oh wait let me edit that in Photoshop before you see it” images, but real, raw, genuine images. There was a deep love for the craft merged with a deep love for people. When you put artists together, we can’t help but talk shop and geek out over the techy things. But above that you hear how they do certain things in their craft that makes them stand out above the rest. The way they see life around them. The way they see light. The way they love well. It was an honor to be a part of that team.

Everyone has something to give.

Lastly, every single person on this earth has something to give. One of the volunteers told me, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body, but give me kids at Disneyland?! Now that is my jam!” This event took a team. A team of people untied under one goal. Lets take 317 foster kids to Disneyland and have the best freakin’ day ever. And just like that people donated their skills to advance the cause. You don’t have to be rich, be creative, be outgoing. There is something you are good at. Something you can help with.

Serve well. Love well. #fosterlove

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11