Brad and Kristan: Joni and Friends Family Retreat

Words can not even describe!!

Brad and I got back last week from our first Family Retreat! This is a retreat for families with disabilities put on by the Joni and Friends organization. This was the first retreat for the Jackson office and it was held at Camp ASCCA in eastern Alabama. We really had no idea what to expect...

We arrived to camp late Monday night so we missed orientation, how meals work, what the schedule would look like, etc. This was particularly nerve-wracking because we went not knowing anyone! The next morning at breakfast we were standing around because the dining hall was completely full of people (very overwhelming)! A nice mom shared with us how the meals were distributed (you sit at a table and the meals are brought to you) so we found a table with 2 spare seats. Everyone was so nice and made us feel right at home.

We looked over the schedule and decided we didn't want to split up into men and women activities for the majority of the day so we joined the young adults/singles group. This was an amazing experience because we met so many amazing campers, STM's (short-term missionaries) and camp staff (the most amazing, eager, and willing to help group of people EVER!!!). We had the opportunity to try the zip-line, zip-tower (taller and a further distance), tubing, pool (for the first time since the accident), putt-putt, and water slide.

On the way to camp Brad and I were talking about what trying all of these activities would look in actuality. We were very skeptical that ALL of these activities would be accessible; they were! We were also not sure how Brad would be able to participate even if they were; the camp staff took charge and told us exactly what to do! To trump all of these concerns was the issue of pride and allowing others to help us when we are so use to doing it all ourselves.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." -Proverbs 11:2

"A man's pride brings him low, but a man of a lowly spirit gains honor." -Proverbs 29:23

"The end of the matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." -Ecclesiates 7:8

Brad handled the offer of help with such humility, and I let go of my need to be the primary source of help. Because of this, we were able to fully let go and enjoy these 'simple' activities, even if they were done in a way we had never tried before.

The families we met and friends we made throughout the week have left such an impression on our lives. Our eyes have been opened like never before. Once again, the realization that even on our worst days someone always has it worse really brings our suffering into perspective. The truth is God told us there would be trouble. At the same time, He told us not to worry, He had overcome the world (John 16:33). He told us there would be trials and tribulations in our lives, so why are we so taken aback when confronted with these struggles? He lived the perfect life (I can't even wrap my mind around this fact) and died the most horrific death. Because of this we are free in our trials because we know they will not be forever and that we will experience an eternity of 'perfectness'!

While at camp, we were also able to meet such an inspiring couple, also touched by heartache at such a young age, Jay and Katherine Wolf. Being able to connect to another couple who was married at the time of their tragedy (3 years like us) and so young at the time (26 just like us) was such a comfort. We have an amazing support system of friends here at home and that we have met through the accident, but none that we could so closely relate to. Please visit their website and follow their journey as they embrace the ministry they have been called to... www.hopeheals.com