What I love most about my job is not what you’d necessarily expect. Yes, I get gratification from helping those in need and seeing a smile on their face when I show up, knowing my presence will help them change their life, even if it’s just in the slightest. But what truly keeps me going and motivated, that gets me through the tougher cases, is all the beauty and lessons these people bring me. I am blessed to learn something new from these human beings every single day. Where most may see a marginalized man suffering from a mental illness who secluded himself to the mountains, who is crazy to live with no electricity or running water, I see a man who is perseverant, self-sufficient, determined, kind, generous and with an openness so many could learn from. I see a man who has suffered and continues to suffer, but who chooses to keep on going, who chose a different lifestyle that many may not comprehend but makes sense to him. I see a man who chose a path, and who is able to admit not being ready to face the world just yet, but who is willing to accept my presence, knowing I’ll be there the day he is ready. He continuously reminds me to not ever take for granted the little and simple things. He tells me stories about the forest and the mountains that bring me joy and new knowledge. And on top of all that, I get to hang out with this cute puppy when I get up there to visit 😍