Ode to good friends

What does friendship look like? This is a question that many have pondered over the years. Personally, I say it's a spark of light in the eyes and a wide grin whenever you hang out with someone. Maybe add laughter.

The 4 Musketeers!

Who are all the people in this post?

This one is Soki (So-kai). The stuff all over her is remnants of one of Jess' famous trips to the island. Typical activities of these trips can include games, laughing, and the occasional all-night dance party.

It's Sak Saum. These are the men and women (some of them) who make up the focus of a ministry dedicated to the restoration and rehabilitation of people that have been basically thrown away - discarded, in many instances - as easily as you or I would discard a paper plate or napkin.

Lady Sasa, the soggy. ;)

What makes them important is not that they've been through lives that would make most of us cringe. What happened, happened. It's not even that they are all walking roads of healing, and of wholeness, though that's remarkable in its own right.

Jess and her 'peeps'. :)

What makes them important is not where they've been, or where they are going - it's who they are. Sweet spirited, playful, and often kind and considerate, the men and women of Sak Saum have learned how to love. They love themselves; they love God; and they love Jess. :)

See the smiles?

Dedicated and hard working, Jessica has poured herself into Sak Saum, doing everything she can to help these men and women, as well as supporting her Mom, Ginny. It's an incredible opportunity.

Why does she do it?

Stiu (stee-u) means 'cool' in Khmai.

Because of who these people are.

I started this post with a note about friends. Ahh, but that's not who the guys and girls of Sak Saum are. Who are they? Ask Jessica - she'll tell you. They're more than friends.

They're family.