Refresh

We just got back from a Joni and Friends Family Retreat and I admit I'm having a little trouble re-entering the world.  I knew this would happen-it happened last time, but I signed us up again and we went through with it-this time where heaven would come to earth, where the people of God gathered to show each other an unconditional love like no other.

I was overwhelmed with emotion from the second we arrived at Bonclarken in beautiful Flat Rock, NC.  When we got out of our car to register, they called and cheered for us by name with signs and hoots and hollers and I stammered the way to the registration desk, my eyes filling with tears, barely creaking out my last name.

I kept telling myself,
"Katie-get it together.  You've just arrived.  Stop it with the tears".

Tears came anyway-at various times during the week.  I've been trying to process why, exactly-but maybe it was just because I couldn't believe that someone would give up a week of their summer to follow our family around all week so we could have a fabulous time. 

Or maybe it was that (actual) humans were having fun and being blessed by my daughter June-and I didn't have to pay them anything to watch her.

Somehow June was a blessing to others. 
Instead of a nuisance. Instead of a curse. Instead sucking the life right out of me.

I could see people loving her, for real.

Our children's three buddies (or "short term missionaries") were gifts from God and perfect matches for each one.

Charlotte and Carol

James and Libby

Sometimes I would catch Heidi (June's STM), staring at June with awe and wonder, like she was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. This moved me in ways that I can't express.  These moments are rare.  I can count on my one hand how many times this has happened in her life. 

It took me two years just to love my daughter, so how can someone who just met her feel an instant bond?  I have no earthly idea.

June with Heidi

June at her "Quiet Program"

Daddy and June going for a ride

Perfect rainy porch afternoon

James climbing with his friend Ian

A little archery

How many horse rides did she take?

You know how when you come back from a vacation, you need a rest from your vacation?
Well, that didn't happen this time.  Sure, things were a bit hard, the packing, the trip, the pottying issues, the normal "hard part" about a vacation with kids with special needs.

But something happened on that trip that made me love my family with a greater love.  I felt encouraged, refreshed, built up and sent out into the world because of the people in this community. 

Why can't it always be like this-this perfect blend of disabled and non-disabled living in harmony with one another and taking the load off for a family that desperately needs not only physical respite, but also emotional respite?  Respite that says, "I'll be Jesus to your family for the week." Respite that says, "I don't care if your daughter is shrieking with glee while I'm preaching, repeating what I'm saying, sitting on my lap, spitting on my lap, licking my arm, or pulling the ice out of my drink." 

My spirit feels refreshed because some dear strangers decided to refresh it, to follow the call of God and take a chance on a worn-down family.  These same dear strangers now feel like they are family- family that lives a million miles away- but they are so close in spirit that sometimes I think they are still in the next room holding my child's hand, whispering words of love, or singing songs of hope.

Mommy and James prepping for the zip-line climb

 A shout out to Joni and Friends Charlotte!
You have rocked our world and there is no other "vacation" we would rather take.