This Family Experienced God’s Love and Joy at Retreat
Caught Off-Guard by Disability…
Muriel, a retired nurse and mother of four grown children, was born and raised in Chicago. Before the birth of her third child, Tyrone, who is now 29, Muriel never expected to live with disability in her family. In fact, when her oldest son pointed out Tyrone’s avoidance of eye contact as a toddler, she remembers being in denial.
Doctors eventually diagnosed Tyrone with autism and intermittent explosive disorder.
Then when Tyrone’s little brother Caleb, now 24 years old, was a toddler, disability caught Muriel off-guard for the second time. Because Caleb’s symptoms presented differently from Tyrone’s, Muriel didn’t suspect that he might have autism. Still, she knew something was wrong and took him for testing.
Soon doctors diagnosed Caleb with autism and apraxia, which means that he struggles to express himself verbally, even when he has high comprehension of the people and world around him.
Family Retreat… “The best thing I ever did”
Looking back on Tyrone and Caleb’s childhood and teen years, Muriel recalls times of isolation and loneliness. Still, when she learned about Joni and Friends and got invited to attend a Family Retreat, Muriel hesitated. But when she received financial help to cover the cost to attend, Muriel’s excuses to come ran out…
“I fought it, I fought it, I fought it. But going to Family Retreat ended up being the best thing I ever did. And God’s timing is always perfect,” says Muriel.
Muriel, Tyrone, and Caleb all experience God’s love and joy at Family Retreat.
Like when they were children, Tyrone is still more verbal than Caleb, while Caleb often serves as his brother’s helper. But at Family Retreat, both Tyrone and Caleb have dedicated volunteers who make every activity safe, fulfilling, and accessible. They especially love the water, so the brothers—each with their volunteer—spent much of their time down at the lake or enjoying boat rides.
Kevin, Caleb’s volunteer, shared some of Caleb’s favorite things:
“Swimming, riding on the boat, playing catch… and we probably liked the ice cream the most! We also had a great time coloring!”
“The Spirit of God is palpable here.” – Kevin
Kevin, an attorney and mediator, has a heart for people with disabilities; so volunteering at Family Retreat seemed like a good fit.
“As a lawyer I’m normally someone who talks for a living, but I feel like I can’t even find the words to describe this week. Family Retreat is a special place where folks who often don’t feel like they can be themselves or be accepted can be ‘normal folks’ for once… Life should be more like this all the time!
The Spirit of God is palpable here. I can’t think of a happier place. I wish everyone could experience it. People have assumptions about disabilities and suffering, but until you jump in and experience something like Family Retreat, you just don’t know.”
When asked about the spiritual impact of volunteering with Joni and Friends, Kevin said,
“I was VERY much impacted. I came here trying to see if this was something God might be calling me to. There was so much I didn’t think I’d experience that I did. The community of the families, the staff, the volunteers, the friendships! The greatest thing is that I feel like I met a whole host of new friends. Family even. I can’t wait to come back!”
A Slice of Heaven
Muriel loves watching the loving attention lavished on her sons. And while her Tyrone and Caleb have a blast at Family Retreat, Muriel gets much needed respite, connection, and refreshment. Her favorite part of Family Retreat is the worship.
“It’s so glorious, so edifying,” she says.
“We felt isolated for years. But I have experienced the happiest time of my life at Family Retreat. The grace that God has displayed through Joni and Friends is overwhelming to say the least. Family Retreat really is a little slice of heaven! Thank you, Joni, and Joni and Friends, for being faithful to the Lord!”
Muriel
When you volunteer at Family Retreat—or at any Joni and Friends event—God will use you to transform the lives of people struggling with disability, and he will change your life in the process!
Volunteer with us!
Joni and Friends volunteers make 98% of our ministry programming happen! Join us to bring hands-on help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities, at home and across the globe. Find your opportunity to make a difference!
