Finding Love, Acceptance, and Friendship at Family Retreat
A God-Ordained Appointment
It had been a long day. But for a moment, sitting poolside during her child’s swimming lesson, Lea got to compare notes with a fellow mom named Pam. Over the sounds of splashing and chatter, Lea took a risk and shared some of the difficulties of raising two children living with disability…
Though she didn’t know it at the time, Lea now sees her conversation with Pam as a God-ordained gift. Not only did Pam listen with care as Lea opened her heart; she also introduced her to a church known for welcoming people with disabilities, and to Joni and Friends!
Discovering Renewal as a Family
For many families living with disability, finding a place of belonging can be challenging. The world often feels unwelcoming, and opportunities for rest and connection can be rare. For Lea, Gabriel, and their children, seven-year-old Isa and her five-year-old brother, Isaiah, both of whom have autism, discovering Joni and Friends was nothing short of life changing.
When they attended their first Family Retreat, Lea and Gabriel quickly realized it was more than just a vacation—it was a time of deep renewal. As Lea says:
“Jesus knew that we needed a retreat from all the hustle and bustle of life if we were to further align with his purposes and be refueled.
Family Retreat realigns our values and resets us. It gives us a new perspective, empathy, and reflection on the past year as we meet other families and share our journeys.”
For Isa and Isaiah, Family Retreat is a place where they can fully be themselves, surrounded by love, acceptance, and friendship.
“The social opportunities it provides my children, who live lives unlike their peers, are precious and sacred. I’m grateful that they get this time to be poured into and to experience the joy of play in a God-centered environment. That kind of trust is immeasurable. I wish every family could experience what a Joni and Friends Family Retreat is like,” says Lea
Cultivating Love as a Couple
Parenting children with disabilities requires deep love and sacrifice. It also places strain on a marriage. Knowing they could benefit from time together as a couple, Lea and Gabriel signed up for a Joni and Friends Overnight Respite event. While Isa and Isaiah enjoyed a safe, loving environment with trained staff and volunteers, Lea and Gabriel spent their first night alone in seven years. They describe the experience as transformational…
“It gave us a peaceful environment to focus on each other and have meaningful conversations. I felt like it helped restore our marriage a little bit, and every bit counts!
The best part was waking up in the morning, having coffee with other couples, and enjoying adult conversations without worrying about our children. Being in a God-fearing community, open and humble about our challenges and wins, was simply magical.”
Lea
You Can Make a Difference
When you partner with Joni and Friends Arizona, families navigating disability—at home and across the world—find rest, community, and renewal in Christ.
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Your gift today will make a life-changing difference in the name of Jesus! Learn more about Joni and Friends Arizona.
