By Collin Pedeaux
Rain on a Saturday afternoon doesn't make me smile. What does bring a grin to my face during those rainy weekends is welcoming all of my friends from the REX (Religious Experiences with Exceptional people) community to campus.
I remember standing out in the rain, checking the time on my cell phone, while I anxiously awaited the arrival of all of the TriMet lift vans to drop off our guests. Before they even step out of the van, they wave to me from the inside wearing the most genuine smiles I have ever seen.
These people don't have it all. Some of them don't have the luxury of living on their own, taking care of themselves, or living life blissfully free of health problems. What they do have is much more valuable. They have joy in their hearts and undeniable trust and love for their creator.
And, then again, some of them do live on their own, work jobs and express themselves through the medium of songwriting. Prior to becoming part of the REX community, I held stereotypes in my mind that I didn't even realized I had. Sometimes it's easy to judge developmentally disabled people and consider them to be intellectually inferior.
When I think back on my first experience volunteering with the monthly REX meeting, I remember being uncomfortable. I wasn't sure how to relate to them or how to make conversation with someone who couldn't speak clearly. I was assuming that in some way I brought more to the table by being a volunteer and serving them. I was wrong and I was ignorant.
I've learned so much by stepping out of my comfort zone and giving the people of REX a chance to serve me. Most of the members are in their thirties and up, having experienced more of life and more dire circumstances than I probably ever will. Struggling to obtain the resources they're entitled to, battling persistent health problems and being unfairly treated in the social sense are just a few of the experiences they have had and continue to have.
It's almost surprising to me how positive their outlooks on life are and how accepting they are of other people when they haven't received the same sentiment in return.
These people are the opposite of superficial in the most refreshing way. They're welcoming, sincere and truly caring. When I couldn't come up with something to say past the general introduction, they put me at ease asking questions about my hobbies, studies, etc. They have been so genuine in communicating their feelings to me that it has challenged me to be a more honest person.
The structure of the monthly meeting is simple. After being escorted into St. Mary's, they hang out and mingle with each other and the volunteers, catching one another up on the happenings of the last month while they wait for everyone else to arrive.
Once the entire group is present, they circle-up and form what they refer to as the "sacred circle." Before praying, those who have an intention share it. I thought for sure that most of the intentions would concern the healing of illnesses or turning around of negative circumstances.
Instead, I was surprised and awed by how many people had a praise to share - a thanksgiving to God for giving them life, for each other and for something as small as a ticket to a local musical. Listening to their thoughts never ceases to stop me in my tracks and make me grateful for the things I take for granted.
It's not easy to step into a preexisting community, no matter what the basis of the group is. It requires a deliberate, personal effort to step out of your comfort zone. I hope that you will consider participating with REX; I guarantee you'll walk away having made new friends. The experience is both humbling and encouraging. So come on out to St. Mary's from 2-4 p.m. this Halloween and have your eyes opened a little bit and your smile worn out.
Collin Pedeaux is a sophomore Social Work major.
