A little respite

With more heat in Washington over the health care reform than in our summer days, it's time to turn from the political topics back to 'Raising Prices.' We enjoyed a wonderful respite at a Joni and Friends retreat hosted at the Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes MN.

We spent an extended weekend at a facility that is top notch in my book with regard to: accessibility, clean facilities, excellent food and ample room for our family. In addition to that, we had a great time in worship, teaching, networking and recreation.

Some highlights:

-We were greeted by 150 volunteers wearing yellow shirts and clapping and shouting similar to the way you see it on "Extreme Home Makeover." Laura and I were moved as we drove up the long driveway and greeted by an army who took our gear out of the trailer and had it in our room faster than you can say "Are we there yet?"

-We were assigned 4 STM's - Short Term Missionaries for the kids with formal disability labels. They were all wonderful and connected with each of our kids in a unique and special way. It was a treat to see these folks genuinely interested in who our kids are and what they wanted to do. Some of them had never been exposed to people with disabilities before. They were by their own admission "out of their comfort zone" but you never would have guessed.

-I mentioned the facility briefly, but wanted to add that when you try to pack 9 people and a dog into 1 room the results are usually not pretty. We weren't cramped here though. We had 12 bunk beds, a large 3 shower, 2 stall bathroom and ample room for the kennel and a wheelchair. For us, it was a dream camping set up!

-We heard some great teaching. When you deal with disability, you end up confronting some tough questions from "Why Me?" to "Why isn't my child healed?" to "Is this really God's will?"

We spent a lot of time talking about God doing things for HIS glory. That's a hard concept. My child/family member has this disability and that's bringing glory to God? I believe this is true, but I have to confess I'm still working through some of that. It isn't easy to see how hardship, difficulty, disability or even death of a loved one brings glory to God. But if we don't believe that then what are the options for why disability occurs? Some people deserve it? Some people are better than others? I don't thing so.

The teaching was good and gave me a better perspective on this thing called disability.

-Worship. When you have the opportunity to worship more frequently than once a week it gives you a chance to actually leave the distractions of this world behind and focus on God and His glory. This concentrated time gave me the chance to experience God in a new and closer way. A chance to feel His presence and know that He was hearing me and speaking to me.

It's much easier to get drawn into total worship when you watch others who worship with no regard for the 'outward appearances.' For example, one young man simply liked the tambourine. He wanted to be near the worship band so he walked up on stage and used his tambourine to praise. The innocence and purity of his desire moved me.

-Food. Lots of it and very, very good!

-Fun. It was somewhat rainy each day, but we managed to get something done each day. Vicki and I went on REAL inner tubes behind a REAL speed boat. She loved it, but I think I was choking her with my 'death grip' on her life jacket. Andrew went with our PCA Stephanie. He's so adventurous.

Tim and Josh did the zip line. They climbed 4 stories up and got in these harnesses. The harness was attached to a line and then they zipped down into the water. Andrew wanted to do it, but the harnesses were too big.

Most of us went into the hot tub. One day it was raining, but we didn't really mind for some reason.

Then there was the rock climbing wall. Tim and Andrew were harnessed and looking like Batman and Robin instantly. They made it up about 3 stories before their little arms and legs just wore out. Josh gave it a try too, but we saw how his Myotonic could actually hamper something he wanted to do - he didn't get very far. I decided that I had to at least try the wall. I went with some fear and trembling, but reminded myself not to look down. With great support from the belayer on the ground, I did make it to the top of the 4 story wall! Then I had the fun of 'sliding' down the wall. Once on the ground I realized my forearms had turned to Jello. Better at the end than in the middle of the climb!

The little boys and I played Frisbee golf. Someone needs to tell them that smaller numbers are better!

-Vicki and Laura had a nice time meeting and talking with Joni Eareckson Tada. She has lived with her disability for a long time and still conveys God's grace to those she meets. We were able to get a family picture with Joni! It was a great encouragement to us to meet her and watch how God uses her.

-Networking. We met a number of really great people who live with all different kinds of disabilities. We talked about everything from insurance to personal cares, to struggles, to vacations. It was nice to share stories with others who go through similar things.

-At the end of the time, I realized how much refreshment I had received. The best way I can describe it is to say I am ready to 'run this race' a little longer.

Here's a few glimpses of our time.

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