One of the highlights of our summer for the last 3 years has been Joni and Friends Family Retreat. It is held at the Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes, MN. It is a beautiful campus and very accessible!
This year we were privileged to be a part of the training of the STM's - Short Term Missionaries. Laura, Vicki and I all had a chance to talk about our experience as campers and what it means to have the STM's come alongside us.
Because we were there early, we also got to help greet the campers. I enjoyed welcoming everyone, but especially two families that I had personally invited.
This year we were somewhere between campers and staff. Laura graciously gave massages for 2 hours when one of the scheduled therapists couldn't make it. I taught a break-out session on "future planning" - wills, trusts, guardianship and much more.
We experienced a great deal of freedom as our littlest boys know the camp and are very independent in what they want to do. Tim did the climbing wall and hung out at the beach. Andrew was on the inner tube and banana boat behind the speed boat, tried the big swing with Stephanie and did the zip line a few times.
The whole camp was treated to a "Fiesta Night." A couple came with salsa music and tried to teach us to salsa. They were amazingly patient and while I'm not sure how many of us did the actual steps, EVERYONE had fun and tried some form of dancing. The best part is that it didn't matter if you were in a wheelchair, walked with canes, or used your feet to get around, EVERYONE was included.
The fact that everyone who wanted to participate was included is one of the best things about Family Retreat. Nobody sits on the side because they're in a wheelchair or because they have a unique behavior. Instead everyone is embraced and welcomed.
One young man danced with everyone he could drag out there. At one point he came over to me and said "Are you a Bears fan?" I said, "Nooo, a Vikings fan!" "Well then," he said, "Get out there and dance!" I had such fun trying to keep up with his energy.
I want to make sure that you know how great the STM's are! They come to dedicate their time to our families. They help us get a break from some of the caring for our family members so we can go to worship and teaching and small group time. They come from all kinds of backgrounds, some very familiar with disability and some first timers. Regardless of their experience, they throw themselves into the person they are assigned to and just love them for the weekend.
That love that they give is not to be taken lightly. It's love that looks beyond an individual's behavior or need for care and looks at the PERSON. The STM's are truly an example of Christ's love for the world.
We had an amazing time and it goes by so fast!
In an earlier post I talked about the gaps between my daughter and her typical peers at graduation. Family Retreat is exactly the opposite. There are NO gaps here! There are only people who are celebrated for who they are. Unlike graduation where I couldn't wait to leave, I hate to leave Family Retreat.
