There is beauty in this place. Yes, we are surrounded by green rolling hills, picture perfect white-washed homes and horses that dot the countryside, but even more than that we spending the week surrounded by families that are raising children with special needs. Every one of these families here is unique and beautiful. And every one of these families is in need of respite and connection with other families that know what it’s like to walk this journey. We are here courtesy of Joni and Friends ministry. Being here is evidence in itself that again…He’s got our back. He truly knows what we need before we do.
From the STMs (special helpers) who He hand-picked for each of my girls to the hours upon hours that my boys get to be simply boys–not the brothers of sisters with special needs–all the way to the ability for my man and I to truly rest. I keep telling my man of a conversation I had with someone (Yes, a real conversation with a real adult!) and then realize that I’m repeating info because he was there too. I’m so used to us dividing, conquering and then relaying info to one another later that I forget we’ve been side-by-side this week, relishing in the respite together.
Look, here we are together…not divided and conquering. Not worrying about the location of Little E…
I wish you could be here and see His fingerprints.
This is Little E and her special helper. Perfectly matched. She flew in from out of state just for this family camp. She is mature, peppy and chases our Little E everywhere without a single complaint. She understands our concern of losing her, constantly following wherever Little E goes. She jokes about bringing her running shoes and not getting fat on camp food because Little E gives her the exercise that she needs. Honestly, I adore her and wonder if she’d mind just coming home with us instead of returning home.
And then there’s the complete opposite, but perfect match for DOP. She is mellow, easy-going and doesn’t mind going wherever DOP wants to go and at her pace. She also doesn’t mind listening as DOP talks and talks and talks and talks…
I love her ability to encourage DOP to try new things like ride a horse or to just be there with her in the moment when she does things a little differently, like sit and be bounced on a trampoline instead of doing the bouncing. Today they are going to conquer the rock climbing wall and the zip line.
He has also shown his fingerprints in His care of the boys (Mini-Me is not here this week as she’s with her JH group doing inner-city missions). Joni and Friends not only takes care of my girls, they prove that my boys matter too. Time and again, my boys are able to have the freedom to roam, make friends and not be hampered by the needs of their sisters. They don’t have to chase Little E because someone else is here to do that. They don’t have to find a way to incorporate their sister into a game that doesn’t cognitively reason well. They can just be. I love watching them as they get to spend time with my man unhampered. Personally, I think the greatest part of their day is “Sib Time” where they get to be away from it all with other siblings with fun and food, but the conversations during that time are priceless. It’s a safe place for them to process the impact disability makes on their lives. They are ever responsible–always helping, but we cannot neglect the need for them to have a break too. The special needs of their sisters shapes and forms them just like us parents.
The opportunity to be here came up rather quickly, but I cannot be grateful enough that He cleared up our schedule in a way that allowed us to be here. This time is a much needed precious gift. If you are not familiar with Joni and Friends, I encourage you to check it out. Maybe next year you can join us!
